Title: Symphony Made In Heaven
Author: Archangel
Chapter: 4/?
Archive: [spellbound], ff.net, you can archive it if you want just please inform me so I can thank you personally.
Pairing: SenRu
Genre: Sap
Rating: General
A/N: Folks, here you'll find out why Ru's kinda OOC. Hehehe, it's because 7 years is kinda long and there's always room for changes, right? And what happened to them in the past 7 years will also be revealed…hahaha! But not all though since it's quite long already. Read on, please but mind you it's almost purely script so you might get a little bored.
Disclaimers: I do not own the characters.
Summary: Can two people of incalculable differences make good music together?
Symphony Made In Heaven
By Archangel
False Acquaintances
It seems to be the worst day for both Sendoh Akira and Rukawa Kaede.
For Rukawa, the day was awful from the very start because of a 'bastard' that ran into him early in the morning…which happened to be Sendoh Akira, his long time basketball rival and eventually…after 7 long years of solemn existence, he was bothered AGAIN by his presence by being his manager and producer (not to mention the vice president of the company he's working for). He is now destined to follow, obey and be forever bothered by the ghost of Sendoh Akira.
"Darn it…of all the people to handle my very promising career."
So, does he have a choice? Nah, Mitsui-san would be very disappointed. They've been teammates after all, they had some history together and it would be impolite to back-out just because of his affiliate. Besides, this is the easiest way to stardom!
"Nope, I'm a survivor. I've been through hell and back! I can do this." Rukawa thought.
For Sendoh, the day could've been very pleasurable because he finally got his most awaited promotion…and gods, the privileges of being a VP! In a few days time, his worn out Corolla would turn out to be a Mustang for Christ sake! But then, all good things must be paid off with something bad…his charming smile and good intention to greet his long time rival turned out to be a hard punch in the nose accompanied by shame and humiliation…well, not to mention a demerit in his crystal clear record and the amount of blood he lost.
"I'm sure to make a hell out of your career, Rukawa!!!"
But wait…he can't do such a bad thing.
For he is destined to make Rukawa a star (whether he likes it or not) for the sake of the company and his booming career. Plus, Mitsui-san's great trust is on him. Plus, he promised to make and keep the company on the top. Plus, Mitsui-san's off for a break so he's the head of the company for the next three months SO, he was left no other choice but to be…
"…directly involved in each and every step the company will take." And that includes Rukawa Kaede's career.
Plus, Mitsui-san said…
"…I have confidence in you." That he cannot…no, no never…let down.
Plus,
"…don't let me down." Need we say more?
Plus,
The Mustang.
Plus,
The salary.
Plus,
The house and lot.
Plus,
"My suicidal efforts in school…" as Sendoh once thought.
Plusplusplusplusplusplusplusplusplus…
"I have no choice…huhuhu."
Plus, Mitsui personally told Sendoh to take care of Rukawa's career. Because,
"He's gonna be a great star. We cannot afford to lose such a talent."
So, does he have any other choice?
"Guess not." thought Sendoh.
And that's the fact.
So after getting cleaned up and changing to a well-ironed executive suit, Sendoh Akira, despite the band-aid in his nose and a large bruise in his left jaw, let out his professional aura and made his way inside his new office where Rukawa Kaede waited, who by the way, is with a pair of bruises in both sides of his jaw.
"This time I'll make sure to evade his punches." Sendoh thought as he remembered his first meeting with Rukawa after 7 years and the agonizing pain he's suffering because of his punch. But emotions aside, he greeted Rukawa (with enough distance) with professionalism up and high. "So, I guess you're quite cooled down. I hope we can make good business together, Rukawa-san."
"Do I have a choice?" Rukawa replied as he sat boorishly in Sendoh's couch.
And with all his mind power, Sendoh tried to be composed. Years have changed Sendoh, that is. From being the cool, calm and collected basketball god to the impatient, hot-headed and perfectionist executive. "This is no time to be sarcastic, Rukawa-san."
"Yare, yare." replied Rukawa and it didn't take another second for Sendoh Akira to flare up.
"Look, if you don't have a choice, so do I." Needless to say, times have changed this angel.
But if Sendoh is impatient, someone can be double or even triple impatient than he is. "You don't have to push yourself to manage me, you know!"
"Didn't I just say I don't have a choice? You could actually back out and look for a new company, you know. I'll help you out gladly." said Sendoh with equal sarcasm emphasizing on the last two words he imitated from Rukawa.
Here we go with the cats and dogs again…
"Hello? Didn't I just say I have no choice? Besides, I don't need your help, you know." Rukawa started.
"Okay, if you say so, then get out and manage yourself if you can." challenged Sendoh.
"Of course, I can. For all you know, I'm even greater than you are…even back then." replied Rukawa as he stood up from the couch and started to head out of the office.
Sendoh held Rukawa by the forearm to stop him and said, "Hey, what do you mean by that? I won MVP!"
And Rukawa hates to lose, so… "It's not only you who won MVP! I won MPV, too!"
And if Rukawa hates to lose, the more Sendoh hates to be humiliated, so… "Yeah, not after me…you lost some competition, that's why!"
"That's not true." said Rukawa as he faced Sendoh with his head blowing off some steam. "They gave you the MVP because it was your final year!"
"What the-?" Sendoh was cut off in mid-sentence as Mitsui entered his office.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen. I'm here to check up on you guys, how are things going?" Mitsui greeted as he came in the office…well, not after going through all the steam that came in from the two hot-heads belonging to Rukawa and Sendoh.
And after fanning off the steam, he saw two un-gentlemen with hands on their hips and…finally he knew the where all the hot steam came from.
After point 1 millisecond, Sendoh put his arm around Rukawa's shoulders. "Fine, sir. We're getting along very well. Right, Rukawa-san?"
Well, Sendoh's first hand's destination was known but the other one was not…which was on Rukawa's back - Sendoh threatened to punch him at the back. "You're a dead kid if you disagree." Sendoh whispered indistinctly.
"Hai." Rukawa agreed…forcefully and let out an artificial smile.
"That's good. Now I'm beginning to think that I really made the right decision to pair you up together. I'll be on my way, now. Sendoh-san, please take care of the rest. I'll call you in the morning." Mitsui said.
"Yes, sir." replied Sendoh and with that Mitsui headed out his office.
As quick as bullets, Rukawa threw out Sendoh's arms and protested, "What the heck was that-?" but was cut off by...again, Mitsui.
"Uhm, Rukawa, take care of Sendoh, ok?"
"H-hai." replied Rukawa. Neither of them knew why Mitsui said such. Then both guys were silent, not to mention blushing.
After sometime, Sendoh broke the ice. "Look, let's stop this childish thing already, shall we? I'm 24, you're 23, we're not kids anymore."
With ultimate shock registering in Rukawa's mind, he asked Sendoh a somewhat dehumanizing question, "Why are you suddenly being like an old man?"
"I'm serious now. We have to get things going. I've just been promoted and I pledged to give honor to this company by working hard. And I cannot do that if you're not going to cooperate with me. Let's just help each other out. This project is important to you as it is to me." Said Sendoh as he gestured Rukawa to sit in the couch he left a while ago.
Rukawa complied and did as he was told. He sat in the couch and listened to his manager. "Okay."
"Say we start from the basics…as usual. Let's go somewhere else and loosen up some strings. What do you say?" offered Sendoh.
"Not a bad idea."
***
The two lads walked to the parking lot where Sendoh's…ehem…car was parked. Sendoh offered the ride since Rukawa said he had none. "This is your car?" asked Rukawa with doubt and witticism in his tone.
"You don't have to ask it that way! Unfortunately yes, this is my car." Sendoh replied pertaining to his 'car'.
Sure enough, Sendoh's…ehem…car doesn't seem to be a car at all. For a highly ranked executive like him, it is not normal to own a worn out car such as his. How worn out is his Corolla is like this…
"How should I get in? The door's stuck?" asked Rukawa.
"You'd have to choose between three choices, number one, go through that left door and climb in front. Two, go through the right door and do the same. Three, go through the driver's seat and pass by the gears to reach the front seat. What would you choose?"
"Good Lord, Sendoh! I'm sure you have enough money to fix your…ca…vehicle."
"I'm thrifty, okay. Guess you didn't know that."
"Well at least you can do something with your ca…this!" Rukawa said, not really sure if it was proper to use the term car on Sendoh's ca…vehicle.
"Fine. I know the paint is depleted and uneven and the wheels are not aligned. Plus the seatbelt on the passenger's seat including yours are lost. What's in yours is a prop, so you'd better use it or else my license…and I know that the windows are not automatic but tell you what…my car has a radio, okay? And good sound, too. So will you enter now? Or do you want me to force your way in?"
Need we say more?
"Are you sure you're the vice president of this company? This is the first time I've encountered a VP with a lousy wheels." complained Rukawa.
"There's always a first. Now get inside, or should I tuck you in?" said Sendoh as he started his engine.
"Now, now. You are being so hot-headed. I never saw you as that before. Now where should I go?" asked Rukawa. Nonetheless, he took choice number 2.
As soon as Rukawa was firmly in his seat (after a nerve-wrecking battle with Sendoh's car to reach the front seat - imagine a 6 footer going at it) Sendoh said, "Now, now. You are being so naughty. I never saw you as that before."
"Are you sure you are Sendoh Akira from Ryonan High School?" asked Rukawa.
"Hai. The great me." replied Sendoh as he slowly work his way out for his parking space.
Rukawa felt a little naughty so he continued to bombard Sendoh with stupid questions. "Really? Number 7?"
"Wha-? Of course." Sendoh said as he cannot believe the shallowness of Rukawa's questioning. Then Sendoh said, "Uhm…I have a favor to ask of you."
"What is it?" asked Rukawa.
"Can we have peace in this car until we reach our destination?"
"Whatever you say, manager."
"Akira. Call me that." said Sendoh as they got out of the parking lot.
***
"I didn't know you fancy this kind of place." Rukawa remarked as they sat in a bench in one of Tokyo's secluded parks.
The place was really quiet. The trees are waving along the wind and the sound of a flute can be heard radiating in the air matching to the occasion of a building friendship.
"Well, guess you don't know much about me then." replied Sendoh to Rukawa's previous statement.
"Why would I be interested in you in the first place?" counteracted Rukawa.
"Because…" Sendoh started as he slowly reduced the distance of their faces.
"W-what?" Rukawa asked very much aware of their shrinking distance.
Sendoh continued to close the gap until he was centimeters away from Rukawa's face. "Because…you missed half of your life not knowing much about me." said Sendoh as he finished his statement with a shy laugh.
"You. Are. Way. Too. Thick." Rukawa said as he distanced himself from Sendoh.
"Just kidding. Oh come on! Can you at least be a little relaxed? We're bonding here, you know." said Sendoh as he pulled Rukawa beside him again.
"Yeah, yeah, I know."
"So, Rukawa…can I call you that? Or should I stick with Rukawa-san since we're in business." asked Sendoh when both of them were safely seated.
"Call me whatever you like…depending on the situation, I guess." answered Rukawa.
"Oh. Meaning in office I call you Rukawa-san…" started Sendoh.
"-make that 'kun', I sound like an old man." interrupted Rukawa.
"Ok, Rukawa-kun. And outside I'll call you Ru-"
"-Kaede. Since you're my manager-
"-and producer" Sendoh butted in.
"I'll allow you to call me that. Don't abuse it, okay?" Rukawa continued.
"Okay. Well, those conditions don't apply to me. Call me Akira all the time, that'd be very fine with me." offered Sendoh.
"I don't remember myself asking you."
"Oh, sorry."
"Kidding. Loosen up the strings will ya?" said Rukawa as he tapped Sendoh hard on the back almost making Sendoh out of his seat.
"Easy, okay? You got me there." Sendoh said while he reposition himself.
"Guess so."
Sendoh was the one to change the topic. "This is completely out of office so I guess I'm permitted to call you Kaede, right."
Rukawa could only nod.
"So, Kaede, I'm just wondering, what happened to you in the past…uhm…7 years? I haven't seen you in a while. Guess, Mitsui-san was right that if I'll see the new talent I'll feel somewhat nostalgic. Probably the reason why I came to greet you back in the café when you-" Rukawa cut Sendoh's next chain of words.
"Sorry about that. I was really fuming when you ran into me a while ago. Just remembered your tie so I was looking at it then…I don't know, it was instinctual that I hit you. Still hurts?" asked Rukawa.
"Yeah. You hit the bull's eye…I mean nose…bull's nose. Whatever." Sendoh said. Rukawa could only hide his laughter looking at Sendoh's expressions of ultimate cuteness looking for words and trying to make a new vocabulary of 'bull's nose.'
"Sorry. And I didn't recognize you right away. Probably because of the hair. I never thought you'd cut it. I think you saw it as a priced possession or something like that." Rukawa said.
"Yeah, you can say that was my priced possession. A defense mechanism, somewhat a diversion to my moods…something like that. I remembered that fateful day when my mom decided to cut it. I cried when she tied me to the barber's chair. They even tied my head so I won't move it." Sendoh said with facial expressions of anger and sadness at the same time.
"Your mom?" asked Rukawa.
"Yeah. She lives 3 blocks away from me. And about the hair, they forcefully had me a haircut because I can't enter school with that hairdo."
"Oh, I see. Speaking of which, where did you enter college?" asked Rukawa. And truth be told, Sendoh was nowhere to be found right after high school graduation. Even Koshino Hiroaki, his best friend did not know of his whereabouts not until three months after when Sendoh sent him a letter telling him that he's not in Japan.
"Everybody from high school asks me the same thing. Guess I was being so mysterious not to tell where I entered college or where I went after grad." answered Sendoh. The truth is, he told Koshino not to tell anyone about where he is. Especially to Coach Taoka who kept on recruiting him for college basketball. Actually, by the time Sendoh got his MVP awards and the championships for the tournaments, he decided to quit the sport and ready himself for a more stable career. He thought that he had achieved his goals in basketball.
"Well, I studied in London. That's why nobody saw me then." continued Sendoh.
"You're a rich kid." said Rukawa as he took a bite on his tuna sandwich.
"Nope." negated Sendoh. "It was a scholarship."
"You're the last person I would think of having a scholarship. That's something." Rukawa said as he looked deeply into Sendoh's face as if he was not really believing what he was hearing.
Sendoh could only laugh at the action. "Only the guys from Ryonan knew things like that."
"But still you were quite humble." commented Rukawa.
"Thanks." Sendoh replied as he too took a bite on his own sandwich.
"But really, it was a surprise."
"Just like you surprised me with Tokyo University and the infinite number of musical instruments you can play." Sendoh said.
Rukawa was so shocked that he almost choked, "How did you know?"
"'I've read your profile. I didn't know it was you back then but come to think of it…it was you. I never saw you as one who's multi-talented. I thought the only thing you know and is interested in was basketball." said Sendoh.
Rukawa leaned back on the bench looked at the setting sun and replied, "True. It was really basketball back in high school but things have changed, I guess. I was walking in the streets one day and saw this shiny guitar. I just can't help but hold it and the rest was history. I was able to play the thing without any knowledge on it."
Sendoh was amazed, "Talk about gift, man. You really are gifted."
"Thanks."
And so the conversation became peaceful, thank God. The two realized that what they know of each other were basically superficial and that time has changed both of them. Each revelation came in a surprise.
"Being in a foreign school made me independent." Sendoh narrated. "I was living in a dorm then, and my parents were here in Japan. If there ever was a free time in school, I sadly wander around town by myself, find a phone and call my parents. It was hard."
Rukawa saw himself in Sendoh's story and told him of his own. "I see. Probably the reason of your impatience. You do things on your own and learned to rely on yourself alone. I was like that back then."
"Really?" Sendoh could not believe everything. His impression of Rukawa was the opposite of what was happening now. And he could not believe that of all the people he could share something special with would be the person beside him now, which happened to be Rukawa Kaede, his acquaintance from long ago.
"Uh huh. Before, all I knew was basketball, but then in college, I learned that there's more in life." Rukawa said.
"So what's the connection of you and me there?"
"I relied on myself too much, like you do. Been very impatient especially when my teammates don't do the job…so I do the job myself. That was because I've been alone all my life and used to that way of living. My parents are oversees most of the time. I live alone and through the money they send me monthly in my bank account…until now." narrated Rukawa.
"What changed you?" asked Sendoh.
"Life in college. The people in the college of music were just so cool. They showed me the world, and I liked it a hell lot." said Rukawa as he looked intently in Sendoh's eyes.
"And you were so passionate about your work you wanted to sing out loud, am I right?" asked Sendoh as he equalized Rukawa's stare.
"Yeah. I want others to hear my music."
And one by one the stars came out of their dwelling as the darkness of the night swallowed the sunlight.
"Well, as your manager and producer, and the vice president of Livewire productions, I think I do have a right to be one of the first…if the not the first to hear your music." said Sendoh as he was trying to make Rukawa sing.
"Maybe not." replied Rukawa, his naughty mode returning to action.
"Why is that so?" wondered Sendoh as he himself gradually turns to his own version of naughty mode.
"You might just fall in love with me." answered Rukawa as he smiled maliciously to Sendoh.
Getting the hint, Sendoh gave the same look, "I believe I've heard that line from somewhere."[1]
"So you watched that movie too?" asked Rukawa who, in between words let out a small laugh.
"I cried at the end. Really a sissy thing for me to do." revealed Sendoh as he too laughed at his experience.
Rukawa revealed something in return, which happened to be, "You're not the only one who cried."
"You did too?" asked Sendoh.
And the sound of their laughter can be clearly heard in the entire vicinity. These two men, who earlier in the day almost punched each other to death, are miraculously laughing at each other's funny experiences. And being naughty to each other that they wouldn't have done if not for destiny that pulled them together.
"Well, yeah…something like that." Rukawa continued.
"Well, about your music," redirected Sendoh, "Can you give me the privilege to hear it live and…free of charge?"
Rukawa stopped his laughter and turned serious for a moment before looking back at Sendoh and letting out a smile, "Then promise me you won't fall in love."
"Okay, I promise." said Sendoh.
And with each note, each melody, each rhythm, each tone…Rukawa Kaede sang with intense fervor leaving one man captured in his beauty.
To be continued…
-----------
[1] The concept was from the movie A Walk To Remember. I just found it amusing to put in the fic.
Author: Archangel
Chapter: 4/?
Archive: [spellbound], ff.net, you can archive it if you want just please inform me so I can thank you personally.
Pairing: SenRu
Genre: Sap
Rating: General
A/N: Folks, here you'll find out why Ru's kinda OOC. Hehehe, it's because 7 years is kinda long and there's always room for changes, right? And what happened to them in the past 7 years will also be revealed…hahaha! But not all though since it's quite long already. Read on, please but mind you it's almost purely script so you might get a little bored.
Disclaimers: I do not own the characters.
Summary: Can two people of incalculable differences make good music together?
Symphony Made In Heaven
By Archangel
False Acquaintances
It seems to be the worst day for both Sendoh Akira and Rukawa Kaede.
For Rukawa, the day was awful from the very start because of a 'bastard' that ran into him early in the morning…which happened to be Sendoh Akira, his long time basketball rival and eventually…after 7 long years of solemn existence, he was bothered AGAIN by his presence by being his manager and producer (not to mention the vice president of the company he's working for). He is now destined to follow, obey and be forever bothered by the ghost of Sendoh Akira.
"Darn it…of all the people to handle my very promising career."
So, does he have a choice? Nah, Mitsui-san would be very disappointed. They've been teammates after all, they had some history together and it would be impolite to back-out just because of his affiliate. Besides, this is the easiest way to stardom!
"Nope, I'm a survivor. I've been through hell and back! I can do this." Rukawa thought.
For Sendoh, the day could've been very pleasurable because he finally got his most awaited promotion…and gods, the privileges of being a VP! In a few days time, his worn out Corolla would turn out to be a Mustang for Christ sake! But then, all good things must be paid off with something bad…his charming smile and good intention to greet his long time rival turned out to be a hard punch in the nose accompanied by shame and humiliation…well, not to mention a demerit in his crystal clear record and the amount of blood he lost.
"I'm sure to make a hell out of your career, Rukawa!!!"
But wait…he can't do such a bad thing.
For he is destined to make Rukawa a star (whether he likes it or not) for the sake of the company and his booming career. Plus, Mitsui-san's great trust is on him. Plus, he promised to make and keep the company on the top. Plus, Mitsui-san's off for a break so he's the head of the company for the next three months SO, he was left no other choice but to be…
"…directly involved in each and every step the company will take." And that includes Rukawa Kaede's career.
Plus, Mitsui-san said…
"…I have confidence in you." That he cannot…no, no never…let down.
Plus,
"…don't let me down." Need we say more?
Plus,
The Mustang.
Plus,
The salary.
Plus,
The house and lot.
Plus,
"My suicidal efforts in school…" as Sendoh once thought.
Plusplusplusplusplusplusplusplusplus…
"I have no choice…huhuhu."
Plus, Mitsui personally told Sendoh to take care of Rukawa's career. Because,
"He's gonna be a great star. We cannot afford to lose such a talent."
So, does he have any other choice?
"Guess not." thought Sendoh.
And that's the fact.
So after getting cleaned up and changing to a well-ironed executive suit, Sendoh Akira, despite the band-aid in his nose and a large bruise in his left jaw, let out his professional aura and made his way inside his new office where Rukawa Kaede waited, who by the way, is with a pair of bruises in both sides of his jaw.
"This time I'll make sure to evade his punches." Sendoh thought as he remembered his first meeting with Rukawa after 7 years and the agonizing pain he's suffering because of his punch. But emotions aside, he greeted Rukawa (with enough distance) with professionalism up and high. "So, I guess you're quite cooled down. I hope we can make good business together, Rukawa-san."
"Do I have a choice?" Rukawa replied as he sat boorishly in Sendoh's couch.
And with all his mind power, Sendoh tried to be composed. Years have changed Sendoh, that is. From being the cool, calm and collected basketball god to the impatient, hot-headed and perfectionist executive. "This is no time to be sarcastic, Rukawa-san."
"Yare, yare." replied Rukawa and it didn't take another second for Sendoh Akira to flare up.
"Look, if you don't have a choice, so do I." Needless to say, times have changed this angel.
But if Sendoh is impatient, someone can be double or even triple impatient than he is. "You don't have to push yourself to manage me, you know!"
"Didn't I just say I don't have a choice? You could actually back out and look for a new company, you know. I'll help you out gladly." said Sendoh with equal sarcasm emphasizing on the last two words he imitated from Rukawa.
Here we go with the cats and dogs again…
"Hello? Didn't I just say I have no choice? Besides, I don't need your help, you know." Rukawa started.
"Okay, if you say so, then get out and manage yourself if you can." challenged Sendoh.
"Of course, I can. For all you know, I'm even greater than you are…even back then." replied Rukawa as he stood up from the couch and started to head out of the office.
Sendoh held Rukawa by the forearm to stop him and said, "Hey, what do you mean by that? I won MVP!"
And Rukawa hates to lose, so… "It's not only you who won MVP! I won MPV, too!"
And if Rukawa hates to lose, the more Sendoh hates to be humiliated, so… "Yeah, not after me…you lost some competition, that's why!"
"That's not true." said Rukawa as he faced Sendoh with his head blowing off some steam. "They gave you the MVP because it was your final year!"
"What the-?" Sendoh was cut off in mid-sentence as Mitsui entered his office.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen. I'm here to check up on you guys, how are things going?" Mitsui greeted as he came in the office…well, not after going through all the steam that came in from the two hot-heads belonging to Rukawa and Sendoh.
And after fanning off the steam, he saw two un-gentlemen with hands on their hips and…finally he knew the where all the hot steam came from.
After point 1 millisecond, Sendoh put his arm around Rukawa's shoulders. "Fine, sir. We're getting along very well. Right, Rukawa-san?"
Well, Sendoh's first hand's destination was known but the other one was not…which was on Rukawa's back - Sendoh threatened to punch him at the back. "You're a dead kid if you disagree." Sendoh whispered indistinctly.
"Hai." Rukawa agreed…forcefully and let out an artificial smile.
"That's good. Now I'm beginning to think that I really made the right decision to pair you up together. I'll be on my way, now. Sendoh-san, please take care of the rest. I'll call you in the morning." Mitsui said.
"Yes, sir." replied Sendoh and with that Mitsui headed out his office.
As quick as bullets, Rukawa threw out Sendoh's arms and protested, "What the heck was that-?" but was cut off by...again, Mitsui.
"Uhm, Rukawa, take care of Sendoh, ok?"
"H-hai." replied Rukawa. Neither of them knew why Mitsui said such. Then both guys were silent, not to mention blushing.
After sometime, Sendoh broke the ice. "Look, let's stop this childish thing already, shall we? I'm 24, you're 23, we're not kids anymore."
With ultimate shock registering in Rukawa's mind, he asked Sendoh a somewhat dehumanizing question, "Why are you suddenly being like an old man?"
"I'm serious now. We have to get things going. I've just been promoted and I pledged to give honor to this company by working hard. And I cannot do that if you're not going to cooperate with me. Let's just help each other out. This project is important to you as it is to me." Said Sendoh as he gestured Rukawa to sit in the couch he left a while ago.
Rukawa complied and did as he was told. He sat in the couch and listened to his manager. "Okay."
"Say we start from the basics…as usual. Let's go somewhere else and loosen up some strings. What do you say?" offered Sendoh.
"Not a bad idea."
***
The two lads walked to the parking lot where Sendoh's…ehem…car was parked. Sendoh offered the ride since Rukawa said he had none. "This is your car?" asked Rukawa with doubt and witticism in his tone.
"You don't have to ask it that way! Unfortunately yes, this is my car." Sendoh replied pertaining to his 'car'.
Sure enough, Sendoh's…ehem…car doesn't seem to be a car at all. For a highly ranked executive like him, it is not normal to own a worn out car such as his. How worn out is his Corolla is like this…
"How should I get in? The door's stuck?" asked Rukawa.
"You'd have to choose between three choices, number one, go through that left door and climb in front. Two, go through the right door and do the same. Three, go through the driver's seat and pass by the gears to reach the front seat. What would you choose?"
"Good Lord, Sendoh! I'm sure you have enough money to fix your…ca…vehicle."
"I'm thrifty, okay. Guess you didn't know that."
"Well at least you can do something with your ca…this!" Rukawa said, not really sure if it was proper to use the term car on Sendoh's ca…vehicle.
"Fine. I know the paint is depleted and uneven and the wheels are not aligned. Plus the seatbelt on the passenger's seat including yours are lost. What's in yours is a prop, so you'd better use it or else my license…and I know that the windows are not automatic but tell you what…my car has a radio, okay? And good sound, too. So will you enter now? Or do you want me to force your way in?"
Need we say more?
"Are you sure you're the vice president of this company? This is the first time I've encountered a VP with a lousy wheels." complained Rukawa.
"There's always a first. Now get inside, or should I tuck you in?" said Sendoh as he started his engine.
"Now, now. You are being so hot-headed. I never saw you as that before. Now where should I go?" asked Rukawa. Nonetheless, he took choice number 2.
As soon as Rukawa was firmly in his seat (after a nerve-wrecking battle with Sendoh's car to reach the front seat - imagine a 6 footer going at it) Sendoh said, "Now, now. You are being so naughty. I never saw you as that before."
"Are you sure you are Sendoh Akira from Ryonan High School?" asked Rukawa.
"Hai. The great me." replied Sendoh as he slowly work his way out for his parking space.
Rukawa felt a little naughty so he continued to bombard Sendoh with stupid questions. "Really? Number 7?"
"Wha-? Of course." Sendoh said as he cannot believe the shallowness of Rukawa's questioning. Then Sendoh said, "Uhm…I have a favor to ask of you."
"What is it?" asked Rukawa.
"Can we have peace in this car until we reach our destination?"
"Whatever you say, manager."
"Akira. Call me that." said Sendoh as they got out of the parking lot.
***
"I didn't know you fancy this kind of place." Rukawa remarked as they sat in a bench in one of Tokyo's secluded parks.
The place was really quiet. The trees are waving along the wind and the sound of a flute can be heard radiating in the air matching to the occasion of a building friendship.
"Well, guess you don't know much about me then." replied Sendoh to Rukawa's previous statement.
"Why would I be interested in you in the first place?" counteracted Rukawa.
"Because…" Sendoh started as he slowly reduced the distance of their faces.
"W-what?" Rukawa asked very much aware of their shrinking distance.
Sendoh continued to close the gap until he was centimeters away from Rukawa's face. "Because…you missed half of your life not knowing much about me." said Sendoh as he finished his statement with a shy laugh.
"You. Are. Way. Too. Thick." Rukawa said as he distanced himself from Sendoh.
"Just kidding. Oh come on! Can you at least be a little relaxed? We're bonding here, you know." said Sendoh as he pulled Rukawa beside him again.
"Yeah, yeah, I know."
"So, Rukawa…can I call you that? Or should I stick with Rukawa-san since we're in business." asked Sendoh when both of them were safely seated.
"Call me whatever you like…depending on the situation, I guess." answered Rukawa.
"Oh. Meaning in office I call you Rukawa-san…" started Sendoh.
"-make that 'kun', I sound like an old man." interrupted Rukawa.
"Ok, Rukawa-kun. And outside I'll call you Ru-"
"-Kaede. Since you're my manager-
"-and producer" Sendoh butted in.
"I'll allow you to call me that. Don't abuse it, okay?" Rukawa continued.
"Okay. Well, those conditions don't apply to me. Call me Akira all the time, that'd be very fine with me." offered Sendoh.
"I don't remember myself asking you."
"Oh, sorry."
"Kidding. Loosen up the strings will ya?" said Rukawa as he tapped Sendoh hard on the back almost making Sendoh out of his seat.
"Easy, okay? You got me there." Sendoh said while he reposition himself.
"Guess so."
Sendoh was the one to change the topic. "This is completely out of office so I guess I'm permitted to call you Kaede, right."
Rukawa could only nod.
"So, Kaede, I'm just wondering, what happened to you in the past…uhm…7 years? I haven't seen you in a while. Guess, Mitsui-san was right that if I'll see the new talent I'll feel somewhat nostalgic. Probably the reason why I came to greet you back in the café when you-" Rukawa cut Sendoh's next chain of words.
"Sorry about that. I was really fuming when you ran into me a while ago. Just remembered your tie so I was looking at it then…I don't know, it was instinctual that I hit you. Still hurts?" asked Rukawa.
"Yeah. You hit the bull's eye…I mean nose…bull's nose. Whatever." Sendoh said. Rukawa could only hide his laughter looking at Sendoh's expressions of ultimate cuteness looking for words and trying to make a new vocabulary of 'bull's nose.'
"Sorry. And I didn't recognize you right away. Probably because of the hair. I never thought you'd cut it. I think you saw it as a priced possession or something like that." Rukawa said.
"Yeah, you can say that was my priced possession. A defense mechanism, somewhat a diversion to my moods…something like that. I remembered that fateful day when my mom decided to cut it. I cried when she tied me to the barber's chair. They even tied my head so I won't move it." Sendoh said with facial expressions of anger and sadness at the same time.
"Your mom?" asked Rukawa.
"Yeah. She lives 3 blocks away from me. And about the hair, they forcefully had me a haircut because I can't enter school with that hairdo."
"Oh, I see. Speaking of which, where did you enter college?" asked Rukawa. And truth be told, Sendoh was nowhere to be found right after high school graduation. Even Koshino Hiroaki, his best friend did not know of his whereabouts not until three months after when Sendoh sent him a letter telling him that he's not in Japan.
"Everybody from high school asks me the same thing. Guess I was being so mysterious not to tell where I entered college or where I went after grad." answered Sendoh. The truth is, he told Koshino not to tell anyone about where he is. Especially to Coach Taoka who kept on recruiting him for college basketball. Actually, by the time Sendoh got his MVP awards and the championships for the tournaments, he decided to quit the sport and ready himself for a more stable career. He thought that he had achieved his goals in basketball.
"Well, I studied in London. That's why nobody saw me then." continued Sendoh.
"You're a rich kid." said Rukawa as he took a bite on his tuna sandwich.
"Nope." negated Sendoh. "It was a scholarship."
"You're the last person I would think of having a scholarship. That's something." Rukawa said as he looked deeply into Sendoh's face as if he was not really believing what he was hearing.
Sendoh could only laugh at the action. "Only the guys from Ryonan knew things like that."
"But still you were quite humble." commented Rukawa.
"Thanks." Sendoh replied as he too took a bite on his own sandwich.
"But really, it was a surprise."
"Just like you surprised me with Tokyo University and the infinite number of musical instruments you can play." Sendoh said.
Rukawa was so shocked that he almost choked, "How did you know?"
"'I've read your profile. I didn't know it was you back then but come to think of it…it was you. I never saw you as one who's multi-talented. I thought the only thing you know and is interested in was basketball." said Sendoh.
Rukawa leaned back on the bench looked at the setting sun and replied, "True. It was really basketball back in high school but things have changed, I guess. I was walking in the streets one day and saw this shiny guitar. I just can't help but hold it and the rest was history. I was able to play the thing without any knowledge on it."
Sendoh was amazed, "Talk about gift, man. You really are gifted."
"Thanks."
And so the conversation became peaceful, thank God. The two realized that what they know of each other were basically superficial and that time has changed both of them. Each revelation came in a surprise.
"Being in a foreign school made me independent." Sendoh narrated. "I was living in a dorm then, and my parents were here in Japan. If there ever was a free time in school, I sadly wander around town by myself, find a phone and call my parents. It was hard."
Rukawa saw himself in Sendoh's story and told him of his own. "I see. Probably the reason of your impatience. You do things on your own and learned to rely on yourself alone. I was like that back then."
"Really?" Sendoh could not believe everything. His impression of Rukawa was the opposite of what was happening now. And he could not believe that of all the people he could share something special with would be the person beside him now, which happened to be Rukawa Kaede, his acquaintance from long ago.
"Uh huh. Before, all I knew was basketball, but then in college, I learned that there's more in life." Rukawa said.
"So what's the connection of you and me there?"
"I relied on myself too much, like you do. Been very impatient especially when my teammates don't do the job…so I do the job myself. That was because I've been alone all my life and used to that way of living. My parents are oversees most of the time. I live alone and through the money they send me monthly in my bank account…until now." narrated Rukawa.
"What changed you?" asked Sendoh.
"Life in college. The people in the college of music were just so cool. They showed me the world, and I liked it a hell lot." said Rukawa as he looked intently in Sendoh's eyes.
"And you were so passionate about your work you wanted to sing out loud, am I right?" asked Sendoh as he equalized Rukawa's stare.
"Yeah. I want others to hear my music."
And one by one the stars came out of their dwelling as the darkness of the night swallowed the sunlight.
"Well, as your manager and producer, and the vice president of Livewire productions, I think I do have a right to be one of the first…if the not the first to hear your music." said Sendoh as he was trying to make Rukawa sing.
"Maybe not." replied Rukawa, his naughty mode returning to action.
"Why is that so?" wondered Sendoh as he himself gradually turns to his own version of naughty mode.
"You might just fall in love with me." answered Rukawa as he smiled maliciously to Sendoh.
Getting the hint, Sendoh gave the same look, "I believe I've heard that line from somewhere."[1]
"So you watched that movie too?" asked Rukawa who, in between words let out a small laugh.
"I cried at the end. Really a sissy thing for me to do." revealed Sendoh as he too laughed at his experience.
Rukawa revealed something in return, which happened to be, "You're not the only one who cried."
"You did too?" asked Sendoh.
And the sound of their laughter can be clearly heard in the entire vicinity. These two men, who earlier in the day almost punched each other to death, are miraculously laughing at each other's funny experiences. And being naughty to each other that they wouldn't have done if not for destiny that pulled them together.
"Well, yeah…something like that." Rukawa continued.
"Well, about your music," redirected Sendoh, "Can you give me the privilege to hear it live and…free of charge?"
Rukawa stopped his laughter and turned serious for a moment before looking back at Sendoh and letting out a smile, "Then promise me you won't fall in love."
"Okay, I promise." said Sendoh.
And with each note, each melody, each rhythm, each tone…Rukawa Kaede sang with intense fervor leaving one man captured in his beauty.
To be continued…
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[1] The concept was from the movie A Walk To Remember. I just found it amusing to put in the fic.