TITLE:  EXTRA-ORDINARY LOVE QUADRANGLE

( ayami – sakuragi -  haruko - rukawa  - ayami )

PURPOSE OF WRITING: To continue what I began…WOOHOO!!!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Slam Dunk or any of its character…don't sue me k?  And some parts of this story were based from the fic "Bookworm" by Aisheteru. ^_^

SPECIAL THANKS:

~december morning owl: Sorry (or happy) to say but…there are still a few chaps. left. Ehe. Told you this is getting soap opera-ish…

~micchan: Oi! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I was just…correcting you. Mwehe.

~angel-leigh: Ehe. Now that you've mentioned it, I did forgot to mention the reason for Haruko's sudden change of feelings. Gomen…^_^v

~rheia: Or else what? WHAT?!?!?!?! Nyahak.

~akuma-tenshi: PEACE!!!! Don't worry…that's the last appearance of that slutty nurse ok? And I still think she has a…err…cute name.  ^_^v

~hana-lai: Ehe. Question: you're both Filipinas right? I'm just curious…anyway, thanks for the review.

~patty g: Hey…that's my line. Coolness…yeah.

~cookies: Ehe. TY for reading! Yep…that poem means a lot to me too. ^_^

~renei: Nope. Obviously, the last chap was not the ending 'cause I uploaded a new one. I still have a few chaps. left actually. This one here is quite pointless…don't know why I even included this.

~unchained: Ehe. It's okay…the no. of exclamations weren't that many.

* Now, on with my story, shall we…

CHAPTER 25: Mission Accomplished

AYAMI

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

I CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER…

It's already been a week since Rukawa was released from the hospital. It's already been a week since that humiliating confession-blues incident, which I know he didn't hear anyway. It's been a week since he resumed living his daily boring and basketball-ridden life. I've been waiting for a week already for him to at least ask me if I'm interested to go to that dance, which we haven't named yet. 

And…

It's been a week since Rukawa started to ignore me.

What the hell did I do now……

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

RUKAWA

I don't know what to do.

It was too much for me to handle.

I can't fulfill her wish.

I have to stay away.

********************************

AYAMI

Saturday is dance day. Only…5 days left, including this day, before that bloody, silly, 'in-respect-to-Rukawa's-greatness' fund-raising activity, which Ayako-san conveniently named… "The Dance"… due to lack of other extravagant title. She said Rukawa's fans don't give a damn about the event anyway. They just want Rukawa. Period.

And speaking of that Bakemono…he still hasn't asked me.

And I'm beginning to feel tired of waiting.

MAAAAAAAAAN…

And here I am expecting a 'rosey-lovey-dovey romance' to happen on that special day.

"You can always go with me you know…"

I looked at whoever spoke those words and just as I expected, it was HIM. I couldn't help but roll my eyes…again…for the nth time already.

MITSUI

What?! I'm just being nice. No hidden agenda whatsoever…

"Mitsui, you know very well that I can't go with you."

"And why is that?"

"Because…because you're too old."

"…………………………………………………………"

"And you're only asking me so that you can go 'girl-watching'."

"…………………………………………………………"

"And have you forgotten that you have to study for that entrance exam you're taking next week?"

"…………………………………………………………"

Damn girl.

She could have just said NO.

As I was about to ask her again, I saw a pale-looking Miyagi running towards our direction.

MIYAGI

Oh good! I see some…comrades.

"Oi! What's wrong?" Mitsui asked.

"You've got to help me save Aya-chan."

Mitsui gave me this weird look before glancing at Ayami who took this time to be…autistic. She was gazing into nothingness and can also be heard sighing every minute.

"Err…don't mind her. So, what happened to Ayako?"

"You see, I asked her yesterday to meet me in the entrance of the building first thing today."

"Ahhhh…so you're finally going to ask her out eh?"

"Ummmm…yeah. But then, Rukawa ruined everything."

At the mention of Rukawa, Ayami snapped out of her daydreams and looked at me with sadness and hatred sparkling in her eyes.

"D-Don't tell me that R-Ru-Rukawa asked A-Ayako?!"

"No. No. It's nothing like that."

Ayami sighed, smiled at herself, and then reverted back to her…errr…autistic mode.

Girls sure are weird creatures…

MITSUI

Ugh. She's acting like a love-sick dimwitted bimbo…

"What did that jerk do now?"

"Well, he didn't do anything actually. It was his fans."
"Oh. His rabid fan girls from hell…"

"You see, as I was about to ask Aya-chan, Rukawa suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Then, Aya-chan remembered that Rukawa still doesn't have a ticket for the dance and since she has a spare, she decided to give it to him. And then, all of a sudden, a battalion of girls rushed towards us and bombarded Rukawa."

"……………………………………………………"

"My problem now is that Aya-chan was dragged into the mess. Now I don't know if she's still alive or what!"

Tsk. Tsk. Poor Ryota…

Didn't even have the chance to say goodbye to the only woman in his life…

Tsk. Tsk. Tsk…

At least he can accompany me on Saturday…yeah.

AYAMI

So that's why he hasn't asked me yet!

That jerk…making me worry like this…

"Ei, Miyagi…"

Miyagi looked at me with tears brimming in his eyes. Mitsui, on the other hand, was beside him wearing a solemn look on his face and comforting him at the same time.

"If you're looking for Ayako-san, she's down there with a flock of guys surrounding him."

Miyagi's eyes almost bulged out while Mitsui has this defeated expression on his face. He ran to my side and looked down the window and sure enough, Ayako-san can be seen walloping the guys' heads with her Almighty fan.

"AYA-CHAN!"

And that was the last thing I heard from Miyagi because…he jumped out of the window. Good thing we're only in the second floor of the building.

~ Fast Forward: During lunch break ~

AYAMI

MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN… He already has a ticket right?

What's taking him so long to…you know…ask me…?

Everybody has a date already…except me. I talked to Haruko about this and she suggested that Rukawa might be feeling a little bit…shy. Although the thought of that idea gave me the creeps, I still considered it. After all, it's not at all natural for him to display any emotion.

Looks like I have to do it myself then…

I decided to wait for him on his favorite hang-out: the rooftop. As boredom was starting to get the better of me, I heard girls scampering and screaming all over the place. Meaning, Rukawa's just around the corner. Sure enough, after a few more minutes, I saw him coming up the stairs.

He looked up at me. The girls gave me scowls and death glares. Then, he continued on walking while his fans trailed behind him and when he finally reached the last step, I began to speak.

"R-Ru-Rukawa…I--"

He brushed past me. He didn't…even glance at me. When I turned around, all I saw was the door being closed fiercely by him.

Immediately, the others started to pound on the door, asking him to open up. I, on the other hand, just stood there, enjoying the chaos surrounding me because the emotions I'm feeling right now are quite fitting in this kind of situation.

What's wrong with him?

RUKAWA

Why can't she just take a hint…

I just want to have a simple life. Adding her in my priorities will just make it complicated.

****************************

HARUKO

It's already Tuesday. And right at this moment, Ayami-chan's looking like somebody just died.

"Ne, Haruko…"

"What?"

"When you said that I have a chance with that Bakemono, were you really being honest?"

"H-Hai. That's why I'm surprised that he's treating you this way."

Ayami-chan just looked at me and then, continued on sulking. That's when I realized that I have to do or at least say something to encourage her…or make her smile…or something like that.

"S-Sakuragi-kun was so happy when I said 'yes' yesterday."

"Good for you."

"A-And it's all thanks to you!"

"Well…no problem."

This isn't working…

"Anou…you want to know what made me realize and accept the fact that Rukawa-kun's not really the one for me? Why I was willing to give him up to this girl and why I'm still happy even though I spent years obsessing over him?"

"Errr…because your train of thought suddenly went bonkers? Or you fell from your bed and the number of your brain cells had a major drop off?"

"Ayami-chan! I'm serious here."

"Ehe. I was just kidding…so, care to tell me why?"

Hah. Why does she always make fun of me…

"B-Because this certain girl has everything I wish had."

"Eh? What do you mean?"

Now that I've got her attention, might as well stop pretending that I'm not talking about her…

"I…I really envy you. You know…you feel things, you act on them. Even though you're also quite dense sometimes but still…"

"…………………………………………"

"I just wish I were more like you…Sakuragi-kun's like that too. Fearless."

Ayami-chan looked at me. At first, I thought she's going to lecture me again on how to stop saying stupid things all the time but I was surprised when she smiled.

YATTA! Mission success--

"God, Haruko…how could you be so stupid?"

--fully failed.

AYAMI

This girl never ceases to amaze me…

"I'll let you in on a little secret about your so-called 'fearless' theory."

"………………………………………"

"We're not as tough as you think. Sakuragi's heart is just as breakable as the next guy's. Maybe even more so. Considering it was already broken when you got there."

I knew Haruko was just making me feel better and believe me, I really appreciate her efforts.  But I just want to make it more obvious that Sakuragi really likes her so they could get it on already…if you know what I mean. One broken heart is already enough for me.

"And since you called me 'fearless'…I've already decided."

"……………………………………"

"I give up."

"……………………………………"

"He doesn't want to catch me."

"……………………………………"

"I don't want to run after him anymore."

And with that, I left Haruko gaping at my retreating back. I've already said it…there's no turning back now.

*******************************

RUKAWA'S FAN GIRLS

Hah. Let's see if she still wants to be with Rukawa-sama after reading this…

AYAMI

It was already Wednesday and everyone's already feeling giddy and excited. Everyone except me…as usual. I saw Rukawa today being harassed again by students so I asked my guy friends to pretend that they're also dying to ask me out…just to make him see that I'm also wanted.

I don't think he minded though.

As I was about to go home, a notebook suddenly came falling directly on my head. I looked up and saw a couple of girls smirking at me. One of them even had the guts to raise her middle finger. I just ignored them. I don't have time for people who are proof that stupid people shouldn't breed anyway.

I picked up the notebook. Imagine how upset I got when I saw who owns it: Rukawa Kaede.

Why the hell did they throw this?

I flipped through the pages. It was his English notebook. I saw Rukawa's nasty scribbles that don't even match the subject. It has 'I will be no. 1 in Japan' and 'I will go to America someday', strategies and other basketball-related stuff. It even has his drool encrusted on almost every page.

Gross.

I was about to leave and just let Rukawa look for his damn notebook tomorrow when something written on one of its pages caught my eye.

Hmm…English notebook AND part-time diary eh?

I began reading its contents and before I knew it, I felt hot tears falling down my cheeks.

AYAKO

The team had just finished having our practice. Ryota and I were on our way to our classroom to pick up our things when I saw Ayami standing on one corner.

Are? What's she doing over there in the dark?

"Ryota, that's Ayami right?"

"Yeah…OI AYA--"

I clasped a hand over his mouth and pushed him behind a tree.

"BAKA! Can't you see she's busy reviewing her notes?"

"But--"

"Sheesh…"

As I was about to go and apologize, I saw her run away and throw something in the bushes. Of course, curiosity got me so I picked up whatever she threw.

It was Rukawa's notebook.

What's so interesting about this?

MIYAGI

I didn't know Rukawa has this kind of school stuff…

Thought he only attends his classes to sleep…

"Oi, check this out…"

Aya-chan opened the notebook and we both began reading what Rukawa wrote in one particular page. Honestly, it was the only page that I can understand. His other doodles just don't make any sense. I was hesitant at first because it looked like the things written were very personal and as I read further; I silently wished that I didn't read it at all.

It was far too depressing. Here's what he wrote:

It's her.

There was that feeling again-that intense surge of…something. But I'm sure that it's not love. It's isn't possible. I don't even know how to love. And I'm perfectly sure that she's not the right one for me at all - too rowdy, too arrogant, far too noisy. She's always demanding for my attention. She's too annoying. And surely soon, I would get bored of her. I would be able to dispose her away, get rid of her without feeling any hesitation or regret. Besides, right now, basketball is my life…nothing else matters. She will never matter.

But still…that do'ahou ononoko managed to get my interest.

She should just join Sakuragi and put up their own 'do'ahou club'.

I hate the way she treats me.

I hate the way she looks at me.

I hate the way she talks to me.

I hate her.

It's a common knowledge that Rukawa's…not normal when it comes on how he socializes with other people but still, what he wrote was already too much.

MITSUI

I was just about to go to the showers when I saw Ayako and Miyagi on one of the benches, reading something. When I was about to approach them, Ayako suddenly stood up and was obviously mad about something. Miyagi, on the other hand, was trying his best to stop our raging manageress.

"Oi Miya--"

"MITSUI! HELP ME!"

I rushed to his side and tried our best to calm Ayako. After a few minutes, she regained her composure but still, she was still flushing with anger.

"What's happening?"

"Here sempai…read what that Rukawa wrote here. No wonder Ayami threw this away."

"……………………………………………………"

"Good thing he already went home or I don't know what I'll do to whack some sense into his thick head."

I reached for the notebook. I stared at it and began flipping through the pages. Ayako grabbed it from me and opened it up on the middle. I started reading and after a few minutes, I looked up at them, unable to believe that a cold jerk like Rukawa can be…colder.

"HAH! I want to go home and call Ayami. She needs some comforting right now."

"I'll walk you home Aya-chan."

The two of them began walking away. As for me, I stared some more on what Rukawa wrote. I decided to flip further, to see if he wrote other vicious things about Ayami…or even about us. Then, I noticed that a note was inserted between the last two pages. I unfolded it and was surprised to see what he wrote there.

[Dated today]

Caught her sleeping in the library.

Her features relaxed and peaceful, she looked so vulnerable. And so very fragile. You wouldn't have realized that she's the same girl who's always bouncing around vigorously, speaking animatedly and always smiling even for the most absurd reasons.

She's everything I wish I had.

Too bad I can't go any further.

"AYAKO! MIYAGI!"

"………………………………………………"

"I think we have some misunderstandings to work out over here…"

***************************

RUKAWA

Two more days to go and I can finally resume walking around the school without weirdos throwing themselves at me or calling me in the wee hours of the morning.

Practice was already over. I was busy unlocking my bike when I sensed that someone was standing behind me. When I turned around, I saw Mitsui leaning on a post with a smug look on his face.

"Yo."

"………………………………………………………"

"Can I talk to you for a second?"

Do'ahou.

"I don't date men."

MITSUI

Why this stupid piece of…

"BAKA!"

"……………………………………………………"

"I came here to talk about Ayami, you moron!"

Rukawa looked at me as if I just suggested that we talk about Einstein's Relative Theory and have a debate about it afterwards.

"What about her."

"Well…I was kinda hoping that you would tell me what you think of her."

"Why."

"No reason. I'm just doing….a survey."

Rukawa continued on unchaining his bike. As for me, I was thinking of other ways to make this stupid excuse for a coward to talk so that I can execute 'Plan A'. 

"She's an inconvenience…now go away."

Finally succeeding in releasing his ride, he eagerly hopped on it and was just waiting for me to step aside so that he can already cycle his way home.

Time to say what I practiced all day…

"You know what I think?"

RUKAWA

Go ahead. Tell me everything you know. It'll only take ten seconds anyway…

"Every night before I go to sleep, I lie on my bed and stare up at my blank walls. Blank…except for an NBA poster. I try to imagine the future. But right now it's blank as those walls. All I can see is a past I barely recognize anymore. Perfect example: you."

"Me."

What the hell is he talking about? And why the hell is he thinking about me?

"Once upon a time, Rukawa Kaede was the town jerk ball. Quiet, aloof, unpredictable. Then she came along…then you changed."

"What are you saying."

"I want you to…to go out there this Saturday and have a blast. And if possible, go with her. That's all that matters. Just find the courage to do what you REALLY want…and do it."

 "This from the guy who gave up his life's passion years ago to hang with the underachievers."

Mitsui looked really flushed right now. I take it that he didn't expect me to answer him back. That's his problem…he doesn't know that I have a gift with words.

Do'ahou.

MITSUI

I watched as Rukawa began to pedal away, leaving me there fuming with anger and embarrassment.

I can't believe our plan didn't work…

I practiced all day for that damn speech…

And he's not supposed to understand it in the first place!!!

"Oi Rukawa!"

"……………………………………………………………………"

"I thought you like her?"

"……………………………………………………………………"

"Then why are you avoiding her?"

Rukawa stopped. Then he looked at me with those very familiar cold eyes.

"I won't let anyone hurt me."

***************************

AYAMI

Friday. One day to go…

Ayako-san asked me to come over the court after school hours to help with the decorating. I couldn't say no of course. After all, I suggested this so I got to stick with this till the end.

I just hope Mitsui…and Miyagi…and Ayako-san…and, oddly enough, Rukawa will stop staring at me already.

It's not as if I want to be here anyway.

AYAKO

This is it… our Plan B.

Time to use MY POWER over these kids…

It's better late than never…

"Rukawa…Ayami…"

Instantly, the two of them looked at each other then at me, as if making sure they were the ones I called.

"Rukawa, as the team's manager, I want you to go with Ayami this Saturday."

"……………………………………………………"

"And that's an ORDER!"

"……………………………………………………"

"I'll kick anybody in this team who'll dare disagree with me!"

And wow… everybody's reaction was indeed… priceless.

Mission accomplished.

Now, it's all up to those two…

*************************************************************

~_^ MY! MY!

Mwehe. I just love making things complicated…nyahak! Pardon me for all the OOC-ness…and for making such a pointless chap.

I was supposed to upload this last week but our phone got disconnected because of some…err…problems. Meaning, I can't access the internet and I'm too lazy to go to a café. So…that explains my absence.

Love it? Hate it? Made you want to murder the author for making the story longer than necessary? Let me know!

Pls. Review. Ja! ^_^v

* P.S. I love Lei of Meteor Garden. ^_^