Author's Note : Konnichiwa minna-san!!! I'm back!!! I'm REALLY REALLY REALLY SORRY for not being able to update soon. Due to a lot of happenings these past few days (including Holy Week here in the Philippines) I wasn't able to update fast. But now, since I've got some time I was able to write this chapter. This one's quite long and it took me a hard time thinking of the next parts. Anyway, thank you to all those who are reading this either you are reviewing or not. Before I start this chapter, I would to thank some certain people and answer some questions as well.
archangel-chan : I really want to thank you a whole lot for your compliments on my fic. I really appreciate it and it inspired me to move on with the next chapters. I'll be checking out your site next week and please do inform me about some details. And I would really appreciate it if you reviewed. Please don't think I'm forcing you to review. Its all up to you though. And all I could say is SANK YUU!!!
abby : Hello my dear friend! I'm very sorry for the late update and I've explained everything to you on phone already!!! About your idea, I'll be thinking about it. But you see I have other plans for the next chappie. You'll see!!! Anyweiz, thanks for everything, especially for your help when I have a writer's block. And don't worry 'bout our soon-to-come fic, I promise to help you out 'bout that when I finish updating this.
FaNTaSY-GuRL : Gomen!!! Gomen for updating late!!! First of all, I want to thank you SOOOOOO much for appreciating my fic. I never thought people would really appreciate this since I just made it out of the blue. Anyway, about your suggestion bout Aki going to the concert helped me a lot. Actually, I had no plans of showing the concert anymore but when I read your review, a new idea suddenly popped out of my head. I took up your idea but I'm afraid you won't see it yet here in this chapter since I have another plan for this and another for that. I hope you understand.
About my name though, I guess that both of your statements are true. I REALLY am RAVE since the word attracted me. I thought it was perfect for a pen name since it was not too fancy or too simple. On the other hand, I was also inspired by the anime RAVE. I loved it soooo much since its very nice. Too bad that there's no Rave category in FF.net but I do hope one will come out soon.
Shoyo Neko : Arigato Shoyo Neko-sama!!! I'm glad you like the plot and thank you too for reviewing. I'm really sorry foe the late update though.
*Whew* that was exhausting! Anyway, *sniff* Gomen ne minna-san *sniff* for the *sniff* late update. *blows nose* (Am I being too dramatic?) Anyway, sorry 'bout the long author's note and the long wait you guys made. So here I present to you, The Third Chapter!!! (Finally!!! ^-^)
Standard Disclaimers applied.
You First Believed
by : Rave
Chapter Three: Surprises? Lucks? or… Misfortunes?
" Kaede Rukawa."
For Sendoh Akira the world seems to have come to a sudden stop at the mention of the name 'Kaede Rukawa'. The wind blowing, the people talking, walking and dancing, the earth rotating, the sun shining, everything! Everything stopped. All of this happenings seem impossible, but for Sendoh Akira nothing is impossible especially when the cause of all this is an angel who descended from heaven. An angel whose name signifies that of the peaceful flowing water and the trees standing majestically in the wild, Kaede Rukawa. [1]
'Finally…' Sendoh though happily. 'Finally, I know his name, Kaede… Kaede Rukawa… Beautiful…'
That was when everything turned back to normal. Just like when spring comes and all the flowers rise up after their long slumber in winter did everything awaken for the Ryonan's ace. In a split second, he felt like rejoicing! He felt so free like he was just released from a heavy burden from his shoulders.
"Yatta! Yatta! YATTA!!!" Sendoh rejoiced raising his hands high in the air and jumping all around the bar like some crazy animal on the loose. Everyone inside the bar was startled with the sudden outburst. Soon, all eyes were directed to him. But Sendoh never really cared about them. His mind's not registering anything at the moment but 'utter happiness' or 'NIRVANA.' Unknown to him, the stares he is receiving at the moment are not funny stares but weird, scared and angry stares.
"Will you stop that?! You're disturbing people!" One guy behind him shouted who looked obviously pissed about the ace's sudden outburst.
Shortly after, almost everyone in the bar was shouting at him. What's bad was that they were all curses and some people are already starting to lose their temper. Still Akira never noticed any of them. Only if it weren't for Koshino's help, he would have been dead meat already in no time.
"Will you stop that Akira!!! We're getting embarrassed!!! " Koshino said holding the struggling ace by the shoulders and dragging him to their table. After giving everyone in the bar a small apology, Koshino proceeded back to their table where the now calmed-down Sendoh sat.
"What's wrong with you?" Koshino asked glaring at him seriously.
Sendoh heaved a sigh. "Sorry Kosh. I was just VERY HAPPY that's why I don't know what I'm doing."
Koshino's eyes softened seeing the truthfulness in his best friend's words. "That's okay. I already know you that much. Anyway, what are you so happy about?"
Sendoh's eyes lit up and a smile grazed his pretty features once again. " I finally know his name!!!"
"What?! How in the world's name - I mean how?! "
Sendoh's smile grew wider. "Wait here for a second okay. I'm just gonna finish something then I'll explain everything to you later.
Sendoh left his confused friend at their table and preceded back to the table of the girls he was talking to minutes ago. Stopping shortly in front of them, he bowed down slightly scratching the back of his head at the same time in apology. "I'm sorry 'bout that one a while ago miss. I'm just really happy since I was looking for that person's name for days already. " he said trying to sound as politely and sincerely as possible.
Seiing his sincerity and truthfulness in words (and the fact that he's just too irresistible), all the girls nodded in unison as a sign of acceptance. Then one of them smiled. "We understand how you feel."
"Un. {Yeah} Besides, no one can really resist Kaede." The other one added offering the ace a seat, which he accepted in gratitude.
Sendoh smiled. "Doumo. {Thanks} Oh by the way, could you possibly tell me where I could get tickets to his concert?"
The three girls stared at him for a long time before staring at each other. They were exchanging looks that were simply… bothering. "What's wrong?" the spiky-haired ace asked concerned.
"Ano… we would gladly tell you that but…" she slowly looked down on her feet with a depressed look on her eyes and face.
"His tickets are all sold out." The other one continued saying it frankly.
"Gomen Nasai. Demo… I'm sure there are still some left out there. Who knows right?"
Sendoh absorbed everything they said calmly. Then, he pasted a fake smile on his face. But deep inside he was hurt, badly and deeply. "Oh, I see. That's alright! I don't blame you. Anyway, arigato again! Ja!"
Slowly, he walked back to their table with a gloomy cloud hovering over him. He sat back on his chair quietly. His hair was covering his eyes and he really looks… sad and… disappointed. Koshino knew something was wrong with his usual cheery friend and he sure needs some comfort.
"Akira, what's wrong?" Koshino asked.
"Its nothing Kosh. Don't worry 'bout me. It's nothing really." Sendoh said pasting another fake smile on his face but not lifting his eyes up to look at his friend.
"I know you too well Akira. I can see something's wrong. C'mon tell me."
"Iie. Nandemonai. {No. It's nothing really}"
"Akira, don't be so stubborn. I'm your friend. Who knows? I might be of some help. C'mon, spit it out. "
Sendoh hesitated at first but after heaving an exasperated sigh, he did speak up. " Alright. Remember a while ago I told you I found out his name already?" Koshino nodded. "That one's true and I'm really happy 'bout that."
"So? What are you so sad about?"
Another sigh. "His name is Kaede. Kaede Rukawa. He's a famous singer and star allover Japan."
"Oh, I see. That makes everything clear." Koshino slumped back in his seat comfortably. " And what's wrong?"
Sendoh slumped back in his seat too. "Nothing's wrong. It's just that…"
He leaned by the table and lifted his face up to his friend. Koshino almost fell from his seat when he saw Akira's eyes. His eyes were like a puppy's and he was crying cutely (with the matching cute pout). "…he'll be having a concert and all his tickets are sold out!!!" he said wailing cutely while biting a handkerchief that appeared out of nowhere. This time Koshino really fell. (A/n: anime style minna).
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Koshino laughed hard. " I never thought you could be so simple-minded and stupid Akira!!!"
"Chotto! Why are you saying I'm stupid huh?"
"Think Akira, THINK. You're going to meet him this Saturday right?" Sendoh nodded. " You were able to find out his name meaning to say his promise will be made right?" Another nod. " Then why not take advantage of it. I mean, since you'll be meeting him every Saturday, no doubt a friendship will bloom between both of you. Why not make this concert a beginning to that. Simply ask him to give you a ticket to his concert and tell him it's a sort of reward for all the hardships you've gone through just to find his name. And when he asks what's in return to that, simple. You'll play with him till he wants to or should I say anytime he wants to. That would be fine with you, right?"
Sendoh smiled hugely definitely getting the idea and liking it. Without any warning, he jumped into Koshino and hugged him tight. "Arigato! Arigato! Arigato!" he said hugging him tighter on the waist. "You're REALLY good Kosh!"
"Akira! Stop that! I'm getting squished! Akira! Oi!!! AKIRAAAAAAAA!!!" Then Koshino fell limp in our ravishing ace's arms. (cute style again)
"Oi, Kosh! What happened to you! Kosh! Wake up! Oi, don't sleep here!" Sendoh said shaking his poor friend nonstop. "…Tasuketeeeeeee…"
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All eyes were on a certain person in the middle of the court. The room was silent. Only the sound of the dribbling ball and the person's ragged breathing could be heard. This sound would be followed by the sound of the ball hitting the ring. A perfect shot. It was like a majestic magic show is being held in the middle of a wonderful spring afternoon in Kanagawa. The person's perfect and unbelievable moves where truly a sight to behold. The ball entered the ring for the tenth time and as the person's feet landed on the ground, a faint sound could be heard coming from the gym's doorway. The sound of a pair of hands clashing with each other, clapping. Someone was clapping by the doorway and then everyone in the gym clapped along with him as well. The person stood in shock.
"That was a nice performance Sendoh." Coach Taoka said walking towards them from the front door. He was obviously the one clapping a while ago. "If you go on with that, we'll surely win this Saturday and on the Inter High as well."
Every person in the gym exchanged confused glances. They definitely understood what their coach said about having a chance to win in the Inter high part, but the Saturday part was quite confusing.
"What d'you mean this Saturday coach?" Uozumi asked.
"That's why I'm here Uozumi. I have some news for all of you."
Everyone exchanged weird and confused glances again before gathering towards their coach to hear this certain 'news' in hand. Seeing that all his members were eager to listen, Coach Taoka cleared his throat.
"Okay everyone. The news is…"
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"…We'll be having a practice game with Ryonan on Saturday." Akagi announced to all the members of the Shohoku team.
The whole gym was silent for a moment. It seems that everyone was absorbing the sudden 'news' their captain has brought about. It was not long before the gym was noisy again.
"Chotto Gori! we shouldn't have classes on Saturday." Sakuragi complained first among all the people present.
"Bakayaro!" Akagi punched the redhead hard on the head for calling him a Gori. "But we'll be having a practice game this Saturday. meaning to say, we have to go to school. Its SCHEDULED and it will no longer be changed. "
"When I thought I'll be having fun this Saturday… Che!" Mitui said kicking the ground hard.
"My precious Saturday's wasted…" Ryota added.
While all the other team members were complaining loudly and were fighting each other, one person in the gym stood in silence. He was leaning against a wall, far away from his bickering teammates, with his arms folded in front of him. His eyes closed tight as if he was thinking deeply.
'Kuso!' The person cursed mentally. 'I have some business to do this Saturday."
"Rukawa! Oi Rukawa!" Ayako called spotting the ace leaning on the wall, thinking hard.
"Is he sleeping?" Kogure asked walking over to the team's manageress.
"I dunno. C'mon sempai, let's take a look."
The two of them nodded to each other and walked to the other side of the gym where the superstar was resting. When they reached him, they studied him carefully from head to toe.
" I think he's sleeping." Kogure whispered to Ayako.
Ayako smirked having a naughty plan in mind for the sleeping ace. " I know exactly what to do sempai."
The energetic curly-haired manageress of the team started poking the ace at his right cheek. On the other hand, the team's vice-captain was doing the same on the left. No response. They poked harder to the point that their hands were burrowing deep in his skin as deep as his dimples. [2]
*PAK* Both Ayako and Kogure's hands were slapped away. Ayako rubbed her hand. "Ite!" She slowly looked up to seeRukawa glaring at her deadly.
"Gomen Rukawa-kun." Kogure said. 'We were just checking if you were asleep since you seem like it."
Rukawa sighed and got off the wall to walk over towards the two. "Gomen too. I was just thinking 'bout something."
Kogure and Ayako sighed in relief. At first, they thought the ace was going to get mad at them or punch them or anything. Good thing he understood them a bit. They just nodded and smiled at him in response. Rukawa just nodded too but he never smiled and walked towards the ring.
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"NAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Sendoh's cry rang inside the whole gym. The matter about Saturday was just announced to them earlier and until now he can't accept that fact.
"THIS SATURDAY?! But… coach… can't we re-schedule it?" Sendoh said pleading to their coach.
"URUSAI!!!!!!!!!" Coach Taoka hollered at Sendoh's ear in a quite deafening tone. "How many times do I have to tell you it CAN'T BE CHANGED!!!"
"Demo saa…"
This spiky-haired ace of Ryonan had been the most shocked (or should I say VERY SHOCKED) person today especially after hearing his coach's news. He kept on pleading to him for the past 5 minutes and all he was rewarded were shouts and punches from his coach. All their teammates could do is watch at the strange scene before them.
"What's wrong with Sendoh? He's not usually like that." Ikegami asked noticing the ace now sobbing in one corner of the gym like a lost puppy.
Koshino sweatdropped noticing the ace too. "You see, he has some important business this Saturday. He's been waiting for days for this day to come and now… It's all RUINED."
Ikegami cocked his head to the side in bewilderment. "Eh?"
Koshino sighed. "You'll pity him a lot once you know what he's gone through for days."
Koshino eyed his dear friend once more who looks like the world has come to an end for him judging by the expression painted on his face. He slowly walked over to him to cheer him up a little. Once he was about 3 feet away, Sendoh looked up to him with his eyes as large as saucers and tears brimming down his cheeks. (A/n: Just imagine Goku of Saiyuki when he's crying to Sanzo 'bout food.)
"Kosh…*sniff*…all my…*sniff*…efforts are… *sniff*…WASTED!!!"
If it was just a different situation, Koshino could have sworn he'd laugh till his knees drop at how Akira could look so childish and helpless in a sense. He was blowing his nose with a handkerchief all the time and crying hard. being the best frined that he is, Kohino walked over him and patted him at the back. My, my, our lovely ace sure is good at court but very hard and stubborn to deal with when it comes to matters such as these. He can really give anyone a terrible headache just like what happened to coach Taoka who fainted a while ago. He was now under the care of Uozumi and Fukuda who were fanning him like crazy. (If I were coach Taoka, I'd rather die than let those two take care of me. Gomen Uozumi and Fukuda fans!!! =p)
"Will you stop that now Akira?! It pisses me off!" He helped the ace stand from the floor still patting his back. "Who knows? A miracle might happen on Saturday, ne?"
"Demo saa…"
Koshino sighed and released his grip on Sendoh. He picked up the ball that rolled down his feet and passed in to Sendoh. "Forget about it first okay? Better practice yourself for the upcoming Saturday game. Don't want to lose to Shohoku."
Even though Sendoh still wasn't convinced with Koshino's words, he agreed and went to practice. He decided that it'll be up to Saturday on what will happen. Sighing dejectedly, he dribbled the ball towards the court and started playing with his teammates.
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Days passed since the game between Shohoku and Ryonan were announced to both teams. Both teams are preparing a lot for it, especially two particular guys, Akira Sendoh and Kaede Rukawa, or so they thought.
After the announcement was made to the team of Shohoku, Rukawa felt like he wanted to curse all the people involved in this and the gods above.
'Why in the world's name did they announce this game anyway? And who suggested that of all days present it would be this Saturday? Kuso!' Rukawa mentally cursed as he slam-dunked the ball in the ring fiercely, never letting it go.
'When I finally found something I would enjoy then there comes this… GAME… that will just destroy it! Kuso! Kuso! KUSOOOO!!!'
Unknown to the sensational star, he's been hanging in the ring for about 1 minute or less already. Meaning to say, if it was a true game, he'd be called for a foul. But that wasn't the only matter at hand. Hanging there also made his forever do'ahou rival, Sakuragi Hanamichi, flare misunderstanding it as a way of showing off.
"Teme Rukawa!!!" Sakuragi hollered from the floor below. "Come down there you baka! If you want to fight, come down there and stop showing off."
Rukawa finally released his grip from the ring landing neatly on the ground. He faced his red-haired archenemy giving him a deadly glare. "What d'you want do'ahou?"
"Teme! can't you see your showing off too much!"
Rukawa grunted. This guy's a real stupid. "I'm not. do'ahou. And if you'll excuse me…" He said making his way past him.
"Teme!!!" Then, a fist fell on the self-proclaimed tensai's head.
"URUSAI!!!" Akagi hollered at the top of his lungs.
Meanwhile, Rukawa walked towards the bench and sat down to have some rest. Everyone taught that he was getting himself ready in today's practice game especially when he performed good moves in today's practice. Practically, everyone was praising him making the red-haired flare even more and his team mates on the other hand glad. But the truth was, he wasn't really getting ready for the game. Its not that he didn't care for the upcoming game at all too. Of course, the game was something to be prioritized. But being the person that he is, he believes that his everyday hard training was so far enough.
But why was he extremely energetic today? That's because he was angry. He was just practically letting his anger out in the forms of playing. He's not the type of person who voices out there feelings easily. He's actually the type who does all means possible to hide his feelings. And of course, his most famous move is through basketball.
Rukawa took another sip from his bottle of water. Unknown to him, eyes are watching his every move.
"Rukawa seems pretty aggressive today, ne?" Kogure whispered to Mitsui as he studied the ace carefully.
Mitui simply nodded. "I agree with you, Min-kun. He's pretty hard to beat today."
"Ha! maybe it's because you're just rusted Mitsui!" Ryota teased but keeping his voice toned down in a whisper.
"Urusai!"
"D'you think he's preparing for the practice game?" Ayako asked butting in.
Mitsui shook his head. "I don't think that's the reason. Even though I've only been with him for days, I don't think that's it. His eyes tell so."
Miyagi nodded. " I agree with Mitsui at that one. Whenever Rukawa plays, he's always serious and there's this glint I his eyes that you will notice."
"What glint?" The bespectacled vice-captain asked.
"Its like his eyes says that he wants to win and that he'll be the best."
"…and that no one can stop him." Mitsui continued.
Ayako blinked. " But what d'you mean he's not like his usual self today?"
Mitsui sighed. "I told you it's in his eyes. The glint in his eyes today is different."
"It's like he's mad about something. And haven't you noticed that he thinks a lot, especially these past few days?"
Both Kogure and Ayako nodded remembering the incident when they caught Rukawa leaning on the wall, thinking.
"I'm sure he's bothered about something and the best thing to do is to keep out of it. I'm sure he wouldn't want anyone butting in his business." Mitsui said taking another glance at their teammate seated at the other side of the court.
All three of them nodded. "Okay."
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In the other side of Kanagawa, a seemingly same conversation is being held. The only difference that is th people sharing the conversation and the person they're talking about.
"He's pretty serious today." Uekesa stated to his sempai Ikegami.
Ikegami simply nodded. "I agree. I've never seen him this serious these past few days."
"D'you think anything's wrong with him?" Hikoichi asked.
"Why d'you ask huh, Hikoichi?"
"Simple. Just look at him, He's acting pretty weird these days. He keeps on sighing all the time and its as if his daydreaming never stops."
Like on cue, Sendoh sighed again as he leaned back at the bench closing his eyes. he was going into dreamland again. All of them sweatdropped.
"I told you he has some problem." Koshino interrupted walking over to them.
Hikoichi thought hardbefore an idea suddenly popped out from his head. "I know! I finally got it! Sendoh sempai is in LOVE!"
"NANI?!"
"Bakayaro! That's not it Hikoichi." Koshino said.
"Eh? Then what could it be?"
"It's better if we just leave him alone okay? Just don't mind his weird actions and don't let him notice that you actually know he's acting different lately. He'll get extremely conscious 'bout that."
Everyone of them nodded and left as soon as their captain called. Koshino watched the spiky-haired man seated at the bench from the corner of his eye. He looks really weird. Hikoichi was somewhat right about his thoughts a while ago. Sendoh pretty much looked like a lovesick person. He sighs a lot and daydreams a lot. Sometimes he also pouts and sometimes he also smiles. Anyone who doesn't' know him will really think he's crazy or out of his mind. He sure looks scary nd freaky when he's desperate.
'He's taking it too much. I really hope a miracle happens on Saturday. I really REALLY hope.'
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Finally, after about days of long waiting, the most awaited day of the week has arrived, Saturday. Sendoh woke up early since they'll be having a practice game today. Their game was at 8:30 in the morning and it was just 7.
Even though Koshino had stated days before that there's nothing he can do and he should just forget about it, Sendoh still can't help thinking 'bout the superstar, Kaede Rukawa.
Enjoying the soothing breeze and the refreshing morning sun, Sendoh decided to pass by the public court where he first met Kaede. Their supposed to be meeting was at 10. Somehow, he was expecting to see the raven-haired beauty there playing basketball like the first time he saw him, but what greeted him was an empty court.
Sendoh sighed. 'Of course he's not here. It's still too early.' Seeing a ball at the corner of the court, he picked it up and decided to play for a while. He didn't really do some hard exercises, just plain shooting. Of course, he'd be having a game a few minutes from now and he better reserve his energy. Minutes had passed since Ryonan's ace decided to practice in this public court all alone. Glancing at his watch, which read 7:30, he dropped the ball back to its place in the corner of the court, picked up his bag and left, giving the court one last look.
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The game will be held at Shohoku High and coach Taoka fervently reminded his team to be present at the station by 7:45. Sendoh arrived just in time before they left. After about 15 minutes of travel, they finally arrived at Shohoku High.
"Chuusu!!!"
The whole Shohoku team turned around to see their opponent, The Ryonan Team standing by the door. They greeted them in return and coach Anzai suddenly appeared inside the gym to welcome Ryonan's team as well. Coach Anzai and Coach Taoka shook hands saying their utmost gratitude to each other for this practice game. Both captains - Uozumi and Akagi - also did the same.
Sendoh's eyes roamed all around the gym in amazement. The gym was packed with a lot of people. When I mean a lot, I do mean a LOT! All of Ryonan's members stood in awe. It wasn't actually unusual for a practice game to have an audience but this one's too many. It's as if they're in a real game. There sure was an enormous crowd present here today.
" Sugee… I wonder why there are so many people?" Hikoichi said.
Uekesa nodded. "It's as if we're in a real game."
"I think the whole school is here. It's freakin!" Sendoh said taking one step back.
"Oi minna! Let's change now, the game's gonna start in a few minutes." Uozumi said eyeing his teammates whose eyes were still glued to the vast audience present in the gym.
"Hai."
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Both teams are already ready. 5 minutes to go and the game will start. But Shohoku seems to have a little problem at hand. Their ace player, Kaede Rukawa is still nowhere to be seen.
"Teme! Where's that Rukawa!" Akagi said fuming hot.
"Maa. Calm down, Akagi. I'm sure he'll arrive." Kogure said. "Maybe he just overslept."
"What's wrong? Why don't we start yet?" Koshino stated.
"I heard one member is still missing in Shohoku sempai." Hikoichi replied.
"Nani?! But we can't wait for him anymore!"
Just that very moment the huge doors of Shohoku's gym swung open. Behind that door was a panting Rukawa. He slowly stepped inside with his bag hanging loosely by his shoulders. It was quite obvious that he was a little tired since he was holding on the door's frame for support. At the sight of the young sensation, the crowd started going ballistic again.
"He's finally here!!!" One of the people from the crowd shouted.
"Ah!!! Am I very lucky to study in the same school as he is!!!"
All of Ryonan's members - even coach Taoka - was startled and baffled. Who was this person that would cause a lot of impact to the crowd? All of their eyes landed on the person who just came. Recognizing that familiar raven hair and blue eyes, Sendoh's jaw dropped 1000 meters below the ground. Hikoichi's eyes grew wide in shock.
"Now I know!" he exclaimed getting the attention of his teammates back. "I just remembered that one of Shohoku's freshmen basketball players is a famous star allover Japan! His name is-"
"Kaede Rukawa." Sendoh said finishing the sentence for him.
"Even though he's a star, it doesn't mean he's that good." Uozumi said.
"You're wrong. He's better than you could ever imagine." Sendoh said practically not taking his eyes off of him.
"Where have you been? You scared us to death." Akagi asked.
Rukawa walked further inside the gym towards his teammates. "Gomen. There was an emergency meeting I needed to attend to."
"Just make sure not to do that again."
"Hai."
Ayako walked over to Rukawa and patted him at the back in a friendly but playful way. "Now Rukawa. You better change now. Game's gonna start in a few minutes."
"Hai."
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As soon as Rukawa entered the gym the crowd kept on shouting and shouting nonstop. Their voices were all deafening. Rukawa walked towards his teammates and warmed up himself a little. Midway in his warm up, he felt holes bore in his back. Someone was definitely staring at him. Turning around, his eyes were instantly locked to another pair of blue eyes across the gym. Those eyes same as his that he met a few days ago. The eyes of Akira Sendoh.
"Kaede Rukawa."
"Akira Sendoh."
A veil of bizarre silence and magic seems to have fallen over the whole gym as the two aces stared at each other. Deep sapphire blue eyes bore into unfathomable cerulean ones. Both of them felt like drowning in each other's eyes. Eyes that reminded them of the soaring blue sky and the soothing clear blue water. Everything seems like a fantasy.
But the fantasy seems to have woven deep only in between the two aces. Because just as fast as the veil has fallen did it disappear. The crowd went wild again shouting Shohoku's superstar's name over and over again while holding or hanging banners.
"RUKAWA!!! RUKAWA!!! WE LOVE YOU RUKAWA!!!"
"GAMBATTE RUKAWA-KUN!!!"
"GAMBATTE SHOHOKU!!! GAMBATTE RUKAWA!!!"
Shouts of the crowd echoed the whole gym. Some cheering for the team of Shohoku, but mostly for the remarkable Kaede Rukawa. But the ace didn't mind them. Slowly he walked towards the opposing team's ace. When they were about 1 feet away from each other, the both stopped. Rukawa held a playful smirk on is face while Sendoh had his usual smile.
"I see we meet again. I never thought you were in the Ryonan team Akira."
"Ah… yeah. I forgot to mention that to you when we first met." Sendoh said scratching the back of his head. "But I wasn't expecting you to be in Shohoku's team too. You never told me."
Rukawa grinned. "You never asked."
"So… I really guess destiny wanted us to meet today. Huh, Kaede Rukawa?" Sendoh said smirking playfully as well.
"I see you know me by now. Well, I guess our supposed to be one-on-one today won't be wasted ne?"
Sendoh nodded. "Hai. Give it your best shot Kaede."
Rukawa glared evilly at him. "I should be the one saying that to you. And… who told you to call me by my first name huh?!"
Sendoh laughed heartily. " Gomen. But you're calling me by my first name too."
"You're the one who told me to call you that."
Everyone inside the gym looked at the two aces either puzzled or stunned. Who knows that the two famous (A/n: not to mention seductive *hentai grin* =P) aces of both team knew each other? And they were practically getting along well with each other.
"You know each other?" Mitsui asked.
"Ah… sort of." Sendoh said scratching the back of his head again.
"Well, that doesn't matter now. We should start the game already. We're 2 minute off schedule." Akagi said in as-a-matter-of-fact way.
"HAI!!!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The game was a heated one between both teams. Both teams scored incredibly with different technique to boot. Coach Taoka was very surprised at the sudden change in Shohoku's play. Who ever thought that one of the most despised and weakest teams in the district would be this strong? [3]
When Coach Taoka agreed on this practice game, he thought it would be an easy one since Shohoku was only a one-man team with Akagi as their main support. Meaning to say, its Akagi that they must be worried about only. NO MORE, NO LESS. But now, the team's totally changed. Who knew that in just one year, Shohoku would rise up as one of the strongest teams there is. Actually, they would look like a perfect team for any coach's eyes, including coach Taoka.
~Flashback~
"By the way, it would be better if we introduce players first.. What d'you think Anzai-sensei?" Ayako suggested.
"That's fine with me. How about you coach Taoka?"
"It'll be fine too so that we know each team's players."
So the introduction began starting with Ryonan. After all of Ryonan's players have been introduced, it was already Shohoku's turn. Players of Shohoku stepped forward when their number was called by Anzai-sensei. Anzai-sensei was obviously the one introducing his players.
"Number four, Akagi Takenori, center." Akagi stepped forward and bowed.
"Number seven, Ryota Miyagi, point guard." Ryota stepped forward and simply smirked.
'Ryota Miyagi. One of the greatest point guards in the district after Maki. This is hard.' [4]
"Number ten, Sakuragi Hanamichi, power forward." Sakuragi stepped forward and proudly waved his hands high in the air.
'I don't know 'bout this one. But better be careful just in case.'
"Number eleven, Kaede Rukawa, small forward. And I guess, well, he's our ace player." Rukawa stepped forward and simply bowed. The audiende kept shouting his name to the top of their lungs. Sendoh simply smiled.
'Kaede Rukawa. This one's REALLY HARD.'
"Number fourteen, Hisashi Mitsui, shooting guard." Mistui stepped forward and like Miyagi he simply smirked.
'Former MVP and three-point sharpshooter. Need to be extremely careful.'
Coach Taoka knew that this game will not be as easy as he thought he will especially after seeing the team's players.
~End of Flashback~
With all of these five players in one team, victory is surely not a step far away. This what makes Shohoku strong. This is the newly born Shohoku. A team filled with bonding, high spirits and best players.
Akira Sendoh started enjoying the game. He never knew that Rukawa would play differently when he's with a team. He's much more stronger and hard to beat. It was definitely fun for Sendoh to challenge a guy this strong in his life. Unknown to him, Rukawa was enjoying this much like him. It was interesting for him indeed.
"You play differently compared to when I had one-on-one with you." Sendoh said guarding the ace.
"Che! I know you didn't play seriously that time so I didn't play seriously as well. I'm a fair person you know."
Sendoh grinned. "Oh really. Then let's see what you've got my dear superstar."
Sendoh caught the ball and was now dribbling it. Rukawa guarded him pretty tight making it hard for him to move. 'I'm starting to enjoy this! It's fun! REALLY FUN!' Sendoh thought happily as he eyd Rukawa who threw him a death glare. Sendoh continued dribbling. Slower. Faster. Slower. Faster. A technique to escape your opponent, change of pace. SLOWER. STILL SLOW. FASTER. SLOW AGAIN. FAST. SLOW. HERE IT COMES!
Sendoh charged fiercely towards the goal while Rukawa kept his guard tight. He halted at the middle of the court and made a fake, but Rukawa read his moves and slapped the ball away from him. Thanking God for his keen instincts, Sendoh caught the ball just in time when Rukawa slapped it away from him. Ball saved. Sendoh heaved a sigh as he started dribbling again.
"You're good as usual."
"Urusai! Just attack."
Sendoh grinned. The game went on as heated as how it started. The crowd going crazy all the time with Sendoh's unbelievable techniques and Rukawa's suicidal moves. Finally, with a loud whistle, the first half ended. Shohoku was on the lead with a score of 32-30. Thanks to the last minute shot Ryota made, they at least made it to lead in the first half.
Sendoh drank hungrily from his water bottle as he sat exhausted on the bench. The first half just ended and Sendoh feels like he's already spent half of his stamina even though it was just the first half. Sendoh sighed heavily.
'This guy's really hard to beat.' Sendoh smiled. ' But he's definitely fun. Yosh! I'm enjoying this! Now, I'm more in the mood! I'll definitely show you what I've truly got Rukawa. I'm not an ace player for nothing.'
Sendoh smirked glancing at the object of his thoughts seated at the other side of the gym recovering his strength. For Sendoh's eyes, Kaede Rukawa would always look fascinating. He really looks like an angel that you'll never get tired of looking at. Ever since Sendoh met Rukawa, he knew he was already attracted to him. But he didn't know what exactly attracted him. No one has attracted him like this ever before. Rukawa has this certain aura different from the others. No matter how Sendoh tries to compare Rukawa to other people, he would just turn out different among them. He was definitely special.
'Is he really meant to come to my life and stay? I feel so much comfortable with him. I really hope he does stay. I somewhat feel that he'll have a big effect on my life.'
Rukawa, on the other hand, hadn't noticed Sendoh staring at him. He didn't even notice the loud shouts and cheers coming from his fans. He was also deep in his thoughts.
'He's not yet using his 100% ability on me. I hope he does on the second half.' Rukawa smiled mentally. But then he shook the smile away. 'Why am I acting like this? It feels like I'm so excited to play with him. But somehow I rather feel like I'm enjoying it. I admit its fun playing with him. I never felt this comfortable while playing before. Why now? And of all people, HIM?'
Rukawa cursed himself. No matter how he tried to hide it, his heart just shouts it louder and repeats it over and over again. He's simply attracted to this cute and funny spiky-haired ace of Ryonan, Akira Sendoh. Rukawa stole a glance at the ace just in time when Sendoh averted his gaze away from Rukawa. He smiled secretly as he remembered his recent thoughts.
'Everything's turning out to be more interesting. I'm enjoying this a lot, Sendoh Akira. And I do mean it.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After minutes of playing and exchanging of unbelievable techniques from both teams with the matching shouts and cheers from the crowd, the game finally came to its awaited end. It turned out to be a tie scoring 72 for both teams. Severely exhausted, both teams departed separate ways into their locker rooms still in Shohoku High.
~ Shohoku's Locker Room ~
"That was exhausting!" Mitsui said collapsing on the floor with a towel on his head.
"Be thankful you didn't faint this time, Mit-chan!!!" Sakuragi teased.
"Teme! I'll get you for this later Sakuragi!"
Kogure smiled seeing his teammates bickering even though they were already tired. Basically, all of them are happy since it was like impossible to beat Ryonan before. But, look now! They tied Ryonan. Too bad its only a tie, but still it meant a lot for them especially for Kogure who could finally see that their dream was now a step closer. Kogure sighed looking around. "Are? Where's Rukawa?"
~ Ryonan's Locker Room ~
" I never thought Shohoku would be this strong." Uozumi said wiping his face with a towel.
"Un. {Yeah.} They've changed a lot this year." Ikegami added.
"Ano, sempai, have you seen Sendoh-sempai?" Hikoichi asked.
"Are? he was here a minute ago."
"He went outside for a while. He'll come back later Hikoichi." Koshino said trying hard to hide his smile. He knew exactly were his best bud was.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"That was a nice game." Sendoh said leaning back at the tree.
"Un."
"You were great! I admit that I enjoyed playing with you a lot!"
"You did?! Well, I admit I did too." Rukawa said looking away.
There were currently outside the gym where grasses, flowers and different kinds of plants grow. They've agreed a while ago to meet here after the game under the large Sakura tree.
"Ne, I won the deal. So would you keep your promise?" Sendoh asked looking down to meet the eyes of his companion.
"Oh, about that. Of course I would. I promised that so I need to keep it." Rukawa said meeting his eyes and smiling slightly.
"Yatta!" Sendoh threw his hands high up in the air. " You know what, you look good when you smile."
Rukawa blushed because of the compliment. "Don't say that. I rarely smile you know. Only when there are commercials, shows or concerts."
"Speaking of concert, you're having one soon right?"
"How'd you know?"
"They're practically the talk of town."
"I see."
Then silence fell over them again. The wind blew all around them playing with their hair and tickling their cheeks. Just like the first day they met, cherry blossom petals flew all around them. Evreything looked peaceful and relaxing especially after a tiring game. Slowly, Rukawa stood up.
"Wait where are you going? Don't leave yet." Sendoh said holding Rukawa by the wrist.
"I'm leaving already can't you see. I'm tired. I need some rest."
Sendoh stood up too never releasing his grasp on Rukawa. It seems like he's afraid that he'll go away. "Ne, I heard that your tickets are sold out. I really wanted to go. Is it okay if I ask you one?"
"Okay."
"Huh?! what did you say?" Sendoh asked looking up at him puzzled.
" I said it's fine with me. I'll even give you special ones. Here take it." Rukawa said pulling two tickets fro m his pocket. " I rarely give special ones to people like you. C'mon you can take this. You can even bring your friend along."
"A-arigato."
"That's fine. See you at the concert!" he said then he left off.
"Un. I'll be coming for sure."
-Tsuzuku-
[1] I'm not really sure if this is the meaning of Rukawa's name. One of my friends said that this is the meaning of his name. Please forgive me if it's wrong minna-san but I think Kaede means maple leaf or maple tree.
[2] I'm not really sure if he has dimples but I assume he does. I think it fits him perfectly. Ah, kawaii!!! *author drools thinking about Rukawa smiling with his dimples exposed.*
[3] I practically think that at first, Shohoku was really one of the weakest teams. If you would remember clearly Kogure and Akagi's flashbacks you'll notice it.
[4] This is Coach Taoka's POV. That's all.
Author's note: Ah! I'm so tired! I hope you like that chapter. I've noticed one thing though. My chapters are getting longer as they move on. I'll try to make the next one a little shorter. oh by the way, I want to say sorry for the grammatical errors. I'm sure there are some. I wasn't able to check on this anymore since I am really in a hurry already. Gomen! Oh and the next chapter the love of Rukawa and Sendoh will start to bloom. I'll update the next chap soon. I promise! Please review on this. I guess I won't update the next chap if I don't see reviews. Please try to understand. I miss my classmates so much especially our class of ce2ex. Hello classmates and Advanced Happy Santacruzan to all Filipinos out there! Ja!