Standard disclaimer still applies…

IV

"What are you doing here?"

Miroku opened his eyes. He was lying back on the bench of the gym, head pillowed by his hand. Sango was towering over him. Her face still flushed from the game. Her hair was wet from the shower but it was braided. She changed into a loose-fitting white shirt and blue jogging pants. She was holding her knapsack with the other hand. He flashed his debonair smile at her.

"Anything wrong with that?" he asked nonchalantly, sitting up.

Sango raised an eyebrow and placed her free hand on her hips. "Mmmm, let me guess… you are waiting your latest target? The one you are mysteriously inquiring me about?"

Miroku shrugged his shoulders as he stood up. "Jealous?"

Sango snorted. "Me? Why would I be?"

"I don't know, you tell me."

"You were the one who insinuated that I am, then, explain by all means," Sango stated.

"I'd rather not. I'll just keep it to myself," Miroku said. He looped an arm around her shoulder and stirred her to the exit. "Come on, let's go."

Sango sighed. "You don't have to wait, you know."

"Why? 'Cause somebody's picking you up?" Miroku asked suspiciously.

Sango gave a humorless laugh. "That was funny. Do you have another joke?"

Miroku gave her a sidelong glance.

"Really, Miroku, are you trying to be sarcastic here? Most of the girls think I am a freak. All of the boys think I am a tomboy. There is no possibility that there is somebody out there interested to pick me up and bring me home."

His face became serious. "I don't happen to be included in all of the boys, as you put it."

Sango smiled and gave him a glance. "Nah, you're not. You're an exception to the rule. You are my friend after all. You don't count."

Miroku pursed his lips.

"Besides, everybody in the neighborhood knows that our families are heated enemies for reasons not known to both of us. It is just a miracle that we ended up the best of friends."

There was silence between them as they reached the school gate. There were a lot of questions running amok in their heads without either of them speaking it out.

"Miroku?" Sango said, breaking the silence. "Do you remember the day when we first met in elementary? Several boys were teasing me with my appearance, saying that I am a tomboy."

He remembered all right. That was the first punch he had ever given to another human being.

"I knew back then that you would be a special friend of mine."

"Is somebody bullying you still?" Miroku asked worriedly.

Sango shook her head. "Not as bad as before. An occasional teasing doesn't count as bullying anyway."

"Just don't hesitate to tell me, ok?"

They reached the block where they had to go their separate ways. Sango halted and face him.

"Miroku," she said, sadness in her eyes. "Thank you," she uttered and hugged him.

He was taken aback by her action. Never in their years of acquaintance had she been very showy of their relationship. He returned the embrace, running his hand in a soothing up and down motion on her back.

Miroku gave out a laugh to lighten up the mood. He was sensing that Sango was about to embark a serious problem that she could not seem to say. "What is all this, anyway? Why are you thanking me for? Do you have a problem? You know you can say anything to me, right?"

Sango closed her eyes as she tightened her embrace before letting go. She looked straight into his eyes, hers had a telltale of tears.

"My parents have… they…" she faltered.

"What?"

"They…"

***

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