TITLE: EXTRA-ORDINARY LOVE QUADRANGLE
( ayami – sakuragi - haruko - rukawa - ayami )
PURPOSE OF WRITING: My purpose is to bring entertainment to the bored…I think…
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Slamdunk or any of its characters…don't sue me k? ^_^
* Author's notes:
[my comments] " their lines"
(the situation) no "" or italicized means their thoughts
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
~ kyo: TY for reviewing! I responded to your other message right? Anyways, I'm glad you still read my story even though I'm not pairing my OC to Sakuragi.
~ tensaispira: TY for reviewing! I'm glad my fic made you happy…BEES SUCK big time! ~_^
~ geneveiva: TY for reviewing! Yeah…romance is really in the air…^_^
~ minori, kitsune, and shigure-no-sukebe: TY for reviewing! I was really surprised to see the three of you review my story at the same time but I guess it can't be helped…you three are bound to do crazy things once you get together anyway…I pity the people at the coffee shop though…(shaking her head vigorously) ^_^
~ mitchigirl: TY for reviewing! Wait…are you saying that you only reviewed my fic cause you like the no. 14?! Uguu…
~ akuma-tenshi (shigure-no-sukebe): TY for reviewing…again! Now, about your novel-like reviews…I really appreciate them. And I'm sorry if my story's getting sappier and sappier…I'm just in the mood right now to make sappy stories…Why? S-E-C-R-E-T! ^_^ Hehehe…
* Now, on with my story, shall we…(Still, a continuation of the last chapter ~_^ )
CHAPTER 15: Why Does It Rain?
AYAMI
I cried and cried after recalling all those painful memories. That's when I noticed that I was crying at Bakemono's chest thus wetting his shirt with my tears in the process, and his arms were around me.
God! This is so embarrassing…
I quickly pulled away from him, blushing.
" G…go…gomen nasai. I didn't mean to suddenly cry like that."
" ………………………………"
He stared at me for a few seconds then went away. He sat across my place, acting as if nothing happened.
" Anou….gomen."
He just shrugged. I was still blushing.
" Anou…what time is it?"
" 10:05."
I quickly began to think of something to say, " O…ojii-san might be worried about me now. I wonder why nobody's still coming here…"
" Rain's heavy."
" Souka…"
" …………………………"
" …………………………"
" Your…your family might be worried about you now."
" …………………………"
" After all, 4 hours had already passed since we got stranded here and --"
" I live by myself. "
" Oh…"
" ……………………….."
" I didn't know…sorry."
" Nobody knows…except you."
I didn't know whether I should feel proud of this 'achievement' or not so I just nodded and looked away.
" Anou…arigatou."
" For what?"
" For not leaving me while I was sleeping. And for….you know, doing THAT while I was crying."
" Do'ahou."
" You know, 'You're welcome' would be a more appropriate answer."
" ……………………………"
" Fine. I'm still thanking you anyway."
Then we just stared at the fire. The rain was still getting heavier and heavier.
STUPID RAIN!
I could feel that my cheeks were still hot. That means, I was still blushing.
THAT was really humiliating. Thank God he's acting civilized about it.
RUKAWA
She looks alright now…
I can't believe I told her that I was living alone….that's supposed to be my secret.
I saw her staring at the fire. Then she looked up at me.
" Oi bakemono…"
" ………………………………"
" Why are you living by yourself?"
I just shrugged. I don't feel like discussing my life with her. Not now…not ever.
" C'mon…tell me. I won't tell anyone, I promise."
" None of your business."
" Well…I was just trying to have a conversation with you. No need to get angry ok?"
" Do'ahou."
Silence followed. But, she's really talkative.
" Why do you think does it rain?"
" Do'ahou."
" For once, will you just answer my question properly?"
I can't believe she doesn't know the answer…even I know the reason why it rains.
She's really a do'ahou ononoko….
" Oi! What's your answer?"
" Water cycle…do'ahou."
" I KNOW the water cycle. What I meant was, why do YOU think does it rain. Meaning, your own reason or theory."
" …………………………………………"
" So, you have no theory. Want to hear mine?"
I grunted. She'd still tell me anyway even if I say no.
" I think it rains whenever something bad or tragic happens to people. Perfect example: Me."
" ………………………………"
" You see, I never really liked rain. As a matter of fact, I HATE every single
drop of it. It's like, it only rains when something bad will happen to me or
the weather just likes to annoy me. I'll give you some examples. First, it
always rains when it's my birthday. I NEVER had a sunny celebration. Second, I
can't go out of the house because my parents don't want me to get sick so I'll
just watch enviously at the kids playing outside. It's a bummer, really."
" …………………………….."
" Third, it was raining when…when otosan left me at ojii-san's house. You know, to work abroad. And…my fourth and last reason is…"
She seems to be thinking twice whether she should tell me her last reason or not.
Maybe it's something too…personal.
" You don't have to tell me."
" No! I…I like to tell you."
" Hn……"
" My last reason is…it was also raining when….when okaa-san…died."
She said this very softly…and very sadly.
I don't know what to do. I don't know what to say to her. And most of all, I don't even know how to react so I just stared at her with my usual expressionless face.
HAH! I knew I should have watched those soap operas on TV…what should I do now?!
AYAMI
There…I've said it. I actually feel lighter now.
I saw Bakemono looking down on the floor. It looks like he was contemplating on something that's really serious.
Was my story too emotional for his usually aloof life?
Is he thinking of ways to handle this kind of situation because he doesn't know what to do now?
Was he even listening to me?
" Gomen…"
I was surprised at Bakemono's reply.
" Gomen?! For what?"
" Nothing…"
I smiled. He just looked away.
So this is the only thing he could think of eh?
He should really be exposed in different kinds of situations requiring different kinds of emotions one of these days…
" Your apology for unknown reasons is still accepted."
" Do'ahou."
I smiled again and looked at the fire. The candle's already getting smaller and smaller.
" When did she die?"
I looked up and saw that he was looking intently at me.
" When I was 12 years old. That was a very traumatic start for my puberty years. I guess that's why I became this violent and unlady-like. I had no motherly guidance during those times when I'm hormonally unbalanced."
" How?"
" Stung by hundreds of stupid bees."
" Bees?"
" Yep…bees. You know, those yellow with black stripes honey-loving insects? Those kind of bees…I never knew how deadly their sting could be till they decided to kill okaa-san…"
" Otosan?"
" He promised that he'd write to me and call me once he gets there but up to now, I haven't received even a post-it or a voice message from him. Hah! Even a message in a bottle or a letter delivered by pigeons or owls or whatever type of animal will do. But, I guess he's just too busy with his work to even check if I'm still okay and alive here."
I stared at the flickering fire. It was the perfect symbol for what I'm feeling right now towards otosan. All those pent-up emotions came flowing out again and I felt like crying once more.
" You'd look uglier if you cry."
I looked up at Bakemono then rolled my eyes.
" Baka…"
Unexpectedly, I wiped my tears.
" Do'ahou."
RUKAWA
THAT was really unexpected. She actually opened up to me.
TO ME…of all the people out there who knows her?
Somehow, I felt like a different person…and I like it.
" Anou…bakemono, can I ask you something?"
" Hn……"
" Why do you want to go to America?"
" Why?"
" I'm just curious…and because I think that's the reason why you're behaving really odd these past few days."
" …………………………………"
" ……………………………….."
" To be the best."
" In basketball?"
" Hn……"
" That's your only reason?"
" …………………………………"
" Why?"
" ………………………………….."
" Why do you want to be the best? To get scholarship? But you're rich right? You can easily pay the tuition and --"
" To prove my worth."
" Ah…your worth. And how is basketball related to that?"
" That's the only thing I'm good at."
" Oh…okay."
" ………………………………………"
" But that's not true you know."
" ………………………………………"
" You can be a good companion too…sometimes."
" ………………………………………."
" And you're REALLY good at annoying people. And sleeping…and cycling while sleeping! And doing that twirling thing with the ball on one finger…and your good with cats, I think…and you pass some of our tests even though you never attend or you just sleep at that particular class. SEE? There are many things you're good at!"
I don't know if I should thank her because I'm not sure whether she's insulting me or praising me. But, I've got to say that it was really nice of her to point out those things just to prove that I'm also good at other aspects.
" Um…I also want to go to America."
" ……………………………….."
" I want to follow otosan. To check if he's okay…and to tell him how stupid he is for leaving me behind here without even asking for my consent and for assuming that I'm perfectly fine with everything."
" Then?"
" Then I'm going to hug him and tell him how much I miss him."
" Do'ahou."
" Well…he's still my father after all…"
" Why you still here?"
" I'm sorry to burst your bubble, your majesty. Am I a being burden to you?"
" Do'ahou."
" I was just kidding ok? Ojii-san also refused my request. He said I have to finish my studies first. And he also said that otosan might not take good care of me over there because of his work. He said it'd be better if I just stay with them for the meantime that's why I'm still here. Satisfied?"
" ………………………………………….."
AYAMI
I actually told my life story to him…
And he actually told me some things about his life…
And we actually had a serious conversation…
This rain really sucks!
" Bakemono, don't tell anyone what we've just talked about ok?"
" Why tell me?"
I was taken aback by that question. To be honest, I don't know why I even opened up to him. So I opted to answer his question 'Ayami-style' to hide my confusion.
" Maybe because I thought that your brain won't process anything I've just said. After all, you don't talk think most of the time right? And, as an added bonus, you don't talk. So, there's a high possibility that nobody will know anything regarding on what I've just said to you. Unless you suddenly develop skills on how to talk tomorrow, then that leaves me no choice but to cut your tongue out."
" Do'ahou."
" Then, do you promise that you won't tell even a single soul about anything I've said to you?"
" Hmn..."
Then we were both silent. But, you know how much I hate silence.
" Oi Bakemono!"
" Hm?"
" Why do you call me do'ahou or on special times, do'ahou ononoko?"
" Why Bakemono?"
" Anou…Because you are one?"
" Same reason."
" Bakemono!"
" Do'ahou."
Silence again. The candle was already one-fourth of its original size.
~ Meanwhile ~
MITSUI
"Hai sensei! I'll go over there now. Ah….don't worry. I'm sure she's okay. Hmmm….well, ja!"
I brought the phone down. It was Anzai-sensei. He asked me to go back to the gym and see if Ayami-chan was alright. She hasn't returned home yet so naturally, sensei was worried about her.
KUSO! If something bad happened to her, Akagi would be the only one to be blamed.
With that, I hurriedly picked two umbrellas and ran back to the gym.
I hope she's okay…
~ Back at the gym ~
AYAMI
" What time is it?"
" 11:00."
" Damn! I still have a lot of things to finish. Bakemono, if we ever get rescued, remind me to buy a watch and an umbrella. And lots of candles…and maybe, if I save enough money, a cellphone too… ok?"
" Do'ahou."
With that, we were silent again. Then I heard faint sounds of footsteps coming from outside.
" Oi! Did you hear that?"
" ……………………"
" Oi! Did you -- Don't drool over there! I worked hard just to make that shine, baka! Oi! WAKE UP! I can't believe you're sleeping right now…"
Then, the sound became louder and louder. Different images came running through my head.
" Wake up Bakemono! What's if it a serial killer? Or an alien? Or a monster? You've got to protect me if you're a real man! And will you stop drooling on the floor?! OI!!!"
" OI! AYAMI-CHAN! YOU STILL THERE?"
Huh? It's Mitsui-kun's voice!
" Mitsui-kun! Over here!"
Finally! Someone came to save me.
RUKAWA
I was enjoying every moment pretending I was sleeping while do'ahou ononoko was scared out of her wits when Mitsui came.
HATE HIM.
" Mitsui-kun! Thank God you came."
Then she came running to his side.
Do'ahou…
" Are you okay?"
" Hai! How did you know I'm here?"
" Anzai-sensei called me. He said you haven't returned yet so he asked me to come over here and see if you're ok. Gomen ne? I shouldn't have left you here. So, were you scared?"
" Iie….thanks to Bakemono, I didn't feel bored at all."
" WHAT?! He's here?! Did he do anything to you? C'mon, tell me. I'm gonna make him pay right here, right now!"
Do'ahou Mitsui….
I didn't notice I was beginning to clench my fists.
" Oi! Calm down. He didn't do anything to me ok?"
" If you say so…here! Take this. I'll take you home."
I saw her reach out for the umbrella. Then she went towards me.
" Here. Take it."
MITSUI
GAH! She's giving MY umbrella to that jerk!
" Oi! I brought that for YOU."
" I know. But I can't just leave him here. He'll just drool all over the floor I worked my butt off to clean and Akagi-sempai said that I can't leave here unless everyone's gone."
" But --"
" No buts ok?"
She then turned to Rukawa. " Here. Take it and let's get the hell out of here."
DON'T TAKE IT. DON'T TAKE IT. DON'T TAKE IT. DON'T--- He took it.
Damn you!
" Good boy, Bakemono."
" Do'ahou."
RUKAWA
I had no other choice. It's freezing cold out here and the fire's about to go out so I took the umbrella.
I gathered up my things, blew the fire on the candle, and walked towards them.
" Oi Rukawa! Don't destroy it ok?"
" Do'ahou."
" Hey! No fighting here. Don't want the floor to get dirty…"
" What would you use then?" Mitsui asked Ayami.
" Since your umbrella looks big enough for the two of us, I'll just share with you since you're the one taking me home, ne?"
She's sharing with him?! She's going home with him?! Why with him?!?!
I glared at Mitsui. I saw that he was smirking at me. I was about to hit him with my bag when do'ahou ononoko pulled me outside and locked the gym door.
" There! Now, we can all go home!"
She looked at me and then whispered, " Don't forget your promise, ne?"
I grunted. Then, she smiled and I just stared at her.
Suddenly, Mitsui pulled her away. I glared at him. He smirked back.
" Do'ahou."
MITSUI
HAH! I was right all along. He definitely has a 'thing' for Ayami-chan.
Che! I would never give her to him. I don't want his hands touching Ayami-chan.
From then on, since I can't be her boyfriend, I vowed to myself that I would just be like her 'bodyguard'. And as her 'bodyguard', my first task is to protect her from the biggest scum here at Shohoku named Kaede Rukawa.
HAH! Payback time you conceited jerk!
Glare all you want, I don't care!
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
AYAMI
ARE? What's happening to these two?
" Oi! Oi! It's getting late and rain's also getting heavier. Shouldn't we all be going home right now?"
" Ah…you're right. Anzai-sensei's really worried about you. C'mon, we better get going."
We were already walking away when I noticed that Bakemono was not moving from his place.
" Oi! You okay? Do you want us to escort you home?"
" Do'ahou."
" Ayami-chan, don't mind him. He's big enough to take care of himself. Ne Rukawa?"
" Do'ahou."
Then I saw them glare at each other.
I would never understand these two…
" HAH! You two are hopeless. We better go now before both of you starts fighting. Ja Bakemono!"
With that, I pulled Mitsui-kun away who was smirking like a maniac.
I wonder what the hell they're thinking about….
MITSUI
HAH! DIE OF ENVY RUKAWA! THIS TIME I GOT THE GIRL!
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
RUKAWA
I watched their retreating backs. I was silently cursing Mitsui for being a much more do'ahou than Sakuragi and Ayami when he turned his head and smirked at me. Then, he placed his arms around do'ahou ononoko's shoulders.
I was clenching my fists and was ready to run after them and punch him on the face, though I don't know why, when I saw Ayami hit him with her bag on his stomach.
" Can't you stop being a hentai?! Sheesh…because of that, I'm taking this umbrella all to myself."
" Oi! Ayami-chan, wait for me!"
HAH! You deserved that, you do'ahou.
But, nothing changed. She was still with Mitsui. Mitsui still had that proud smirk on his face. I was still alone.
THIS SUCKS!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MY! MY! ~_^
Finally, it's finished. Now, Mitsui knows Rukawa's feelings for Ayami. What will he do? Will there be another rival for Rukawa? Why is my story taking so long? How long will this story going to last? Do I make any sense in my stories? Next chapter pls? Let'see….
Love it? Hate it? Let me know!
Pls. Review! Ja! ^_^