MAN! It seems that my cousin did not log off when she reviewed my story. I
forgot to log off when she was using it, ninny-san.
***
Rukawa glared hard at Rika as she encountered him on the way to her room as she came from the gym with Suzume with her. The latter stopped immediately just knowing that Rukawa was near her and felt her heart melting. Rika, however, felt that she would want to melt due to shame; he knew she abandoned him and she never abandons anyone.
"Look, I'm really sorry about -" she started but he cut her off immediately.
"Forget it." He shook his head and stalked off.
"Rika," Suzume wailed, "You're so lucky to get that close to Rukawa all the time. I'm so envious of you! If only I could be an assistant coach to the team, I would be very, very happy I could die right then and there."
"You think it's that easy?" Rika shook her head. "It just so happens that I know a lot about basketball and like it. You can take the job for all I care if you can make the team better, that is. They're a bunch of puffer fishes!"
"It's that bad, huh?" Suzume asked but did not waiting for an answer knowing full well what it would be. "But still, most people would die for your position. Believe me, I know."
Rika just shrugged the thought off trying to deny that she was keeping her face from heating up. Before they got a step further to their classroom, the speaker for the announcements was turned on with a high pitch echoing through the halls giving some students a headache. "Mike test one two three," it began, "Attention please, the following students, please report to the auditorium!"
Suzume and Rika exchanged glances asking in silent question what it was about and why the auditorium and acknowledging each other's question with a shrug knowing full well what each wanted to say.
"Ahem!" the announcer adlibbed making sure everyone was listening. "Shikita, Nikki ; Nakada Eiri; Nakajima, Koji; Maeda, Kei; Takano, Masahiko; Rukawa, Keade..."
The companions both gaped at that and exchanged startled glances. Everyone else were active people, so why Rukawa? They both shook their heads and continued their way to the classroom until, "And Shishouta, Rika." That earned her a few scowls and unwanted glares from Rukawa fans.
Rika's stomach doubled over but it was all she could do not to blush. She knew why they were staring daggers at her but not for the reasons - such as flirting and flinging with Rukawa - they thought. She muttered a curse under her breath and gave her friend a don't-you-dare-think-of-that look as she stalked off.
***
The students silently gathered around a teacher, wondering what that was all about, as they awaited the others. The silence, however, broke as the boys cooed and the girls muttered when Rika and Rukawa went in together. At the reaction they got, Rika growled keeping her eyes from turning silver once again and the other scowled. They just happened to arrive at the same second and they reacted that way! [Shallow people!] Rika muttered.
The teacher up front cleared his throat for everyone's attention. Rika glowered at him but faded as soon as she realized she was staring at the only gay teacher they had - the drama teacher. She shook her head. They couldn't be called for a play since she knew she couldn't act...much less in expecting Rukawa to do so. "You are all chosen to star in play which uses the English language; that is why all of you are chosen." With it he added muttering, "Just because you top English tests and speak them clearer than I do."
"But I can't act!" One of the students blurted out.
"That is why I am here to guide you...all of you!" he said haughtily to all of them.
"Try to get 'The Rock' to do it," Rika commented pointing to Rukawa slyly, "and I'll never think gay people are bad for the society."
The teacher glowered at her and the other students laughed out their lungs. Rukawa, however, gave a snort and shook his head.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, "I just couldn't help the thought of Kaede act." At the mention of his first name the girls eyed her grouchily.
When the guffaw died down, the teacher informed them that they would be performing "The King and I" but he preferred to call "Anna and the King." He described it in an exotic manner that most students pursed their lips in hopes that it will hide their amusement. He also explained that it will be performed for the international day they would be having at school. After he had finished his fervent expounding on the story, he handed each a script as he told them their roles.
When he came to Rukawa, he sneered at the boy trying to hide his little crush on him. "You, my boy, will play king Mongkut."
Rika, who was by his side, snickered realizing that the gay one has accepted her challenge. At her reaction, Rukawa interjected firmly. "I can't act."
"Nonsense!" he/she snorted, "If you don't do this, you will fail your English class. Your teachers and I have come to that agreement. Besides, I will pull you out of your classes, and you will be excused from them."
Rukawa glared at him and gave the teacher another excuse. "Besides, I don't think you have to act your part. You're fine the way you are; just make your voice louder."
Rukawa wanted to snap off his neck at that instant and give Rika a piece of his mind when he heard him/her as he/she approached Rika. "And you, my dear, will be Anna Leonowens."
"Her laughter turned into a startled scream. "What?! You're crazy!" she scandalized. "What makes you think I'M fit for that part?"
It was Rukawa's turn to laugh then. Somehow, he felt better knowing she would have the other lead role. Not because she would have more roles than him, but something else he couldn't place his finger on. Like how his heart was reacting at that moment - a loud taiko drum (the big Japanese drums) in his chest beating wildly. He wondered what that was all about. There was nothing! [Absolutely nothing!] He berated himself.
"But I still have a lot of work to be done with my other subjects!" she continued to protest but the teacher paid her no more mind than a caged barking dog.
"Karma." Rukawa sneered at her.
"Yeah. Talk about tough luck." She mumbled and counted the lines she must memorize. She certainly had more lines than anyone else and encouraged herself that she can do it so that she could pass her subjects.
Rukawa examined her own lines and grumbled about having almost as many lines as Rika. He hated memorization most of all, to say the least. He instructed them firmly and went to sit beside Rukawa throwing hints that he/she liked him.
As much as Rika wanted to tease Rukawa, she still felt a pang of pity and went over to them. "Kaede, let's go to the restaurant we went to last time. The food is quite good there, wouldn't you say?" she said in a voice low enough only for the three of them to hear.
The teacher harrumphed and stalked off leaving Rukawa aghast at Rika's question. "I'm not falling for that again." He told her sternly. "You're sister's a complete dou ahou!"
"Don't worry," she sighed smiling, "I just said that to get him out of your face. I know you're annoyed."
"You...don't mean anything by it?" he asked and his heart skipped a beat.
"None." She beamed at him. As her eyes rested upon his, she began to feel her face heat up and decided to go back to her seat and memorize her lines.
Rukawa looked away at that instant to keep his heart beating normally. He took time to catch his breath and glanced her way. Without any second to spare, his face flushed red and immediately hid his face behind the script and settled himself on memorizing them.
Most everyone was muttering their lines trying hard not to disturb others who were doing the same. There was an occasional growl and grunt of frustration but that was all that could be distinguished from the buzzing voices of the actors and actresses.
In a little while, they were practicing the first scene but wasn't able to finish even half of it with most of them not knowing how to act - stopping only when classes were declared over. Both Rika and Rukawa hurriedly went to the gym for basketball practice only to be greeted by coaxes about the both of them but paid them no mind.
Ayako hurried them off to practice saving them from Rika's tongue lashing which Rika was grateful for. They did their stretches and exercises with occasional comments from the manager and the assistant coach.
Seeing that Haruko was hesitant on being firm Rika went up to her. "You know Haruko, if you don't be firm now, I don't know if you would be able to make the team better. I know you can do it. If you're afraid because they're the stronger sex, think again. There's this article about a research in Reader's Digest I've read that women are the stronger sex. I'll give a copy to you. And if anyone gives you trouble, tell me. I'll smack them 'till their own wits tell them who's in charge."
Haruko smiled at her thankfully and made them work harder in a firmer voice that she thought she could never muster.
The coaches and managers watched amused at their speedy progress at the practice game. As for it, the team of, of course, Rukawa won once again and Sakuragi growled and muttered and accused them of cheating which he always did. Rika cut him of by giving him a level stare that Sakuragi knew well enough to stop himself.
In the remaining time left, Rika gave them another problem, "Now, tomorrow, I want you to show me the best scores you can gather up, at the next practice game, among yourselves. I want to see the comparison of a couple of scores and I'll see whether you understand what the word 'ace player' means."
Everyone looked at Rukawa and Rika shook her head ruefully and sighed.
Anzai chuckled, "It is according to your own interpretation, but I tell you, it has great difference in meaning to some as it is to others." He stood up and took all of them in, "I wish you good luck in solving the next one and now, I dismiss you all."
As soon as the players scattered, Rika hurriedly pushed a growling Rukawa to the showers and closed told him not to say a word or even get out of the showers when Rina came bursting in the gym.
"Rika, where's Rukawa?" she asked in a sing-song voice.
"Kaede?" she asked as if startled to see her there. "He just went home. You missed him. I'm sorry."
"What?!" Rina asked disbelievingly.
"We finished practice a little earlier and hurried from the gym." She said carefully picking the words so she did not lie and risk anyone exposing where he is.
"Drat!" she shook her head, "Alright then. I'll be earlier tomorrow. Tell him to wait for me."
Rika gave her a smile as her older sister went off. She breathed a sigh of relief and as Rukawa got out after hearing Rina scurry away. "I'm sorry Rukawa," she apologized, "I know that's a bit hard but, you know how she is. That...grrr...I can't even say it!" She turned to her ojii-san, "Ojii- san, I'll be going home late. Tell dad I have something else to do."
Anzai nodded and Rukawa intended to know what she was going to do, so he went up to her.
***
dunkmoonX: Sendou and Rika? Sigurado ka ba? Tignan nalang natin. Japanese? Self-study. Hirap! I practice with my mom's Japanese business partners. They talk too fast though.
Sofia/3sh: Me? Wise? Nah...just some silly idea. About Rina...you just have to find out.
Della: Hoy! Sa susunod, mag-log-off ka muna ha! Gamit mo pa tuloy yung name ko. Parang nireview ko yung sarili ko. Anyway, thankies!
ninny: I'm trying to make her as hateable (is there such a word?) as possible. I'm glad everyone finds her irritating.
Koibito wa baka na...totte mo anta ga itai na...totte mo anta ga tousou hitoride...
***
Rukawa glared hard at Rika as she encountered him on the way to her room as she came from the gym with Suzume with her. The latter stopped immediately just knowing that Rukawa was near her and felt her heart melting. Rika, however, felt that she would want to melt due to shame; he knew she abandoned him and she never abandons anyone.
"Look, I'm really sorry about -" she started but he cut her off immediately.
"Forget it." He shook his head and stalked off.
"Rika," Suzume wailed, "You're so lucky to get that close to Rukawa all the time. I'm so envious of you! If only I could be an assistant coach to the team, I would be very, very happy I could die right then and there."
"You think it's that easy?" Rika shook her head. "It just so happens that I know a lot about basketball and like it. You can take the job for all I care if you can make the team better, that is. They're a bunch of puffer fishes!"
"It's that bad, huh?" Suzume asked but did not waiting for an answer knowing full well what it would be. "But still, most people would die for your position. Believe me, I know."
Rika just shrugged the thought off trying to deny that she was keeping her face from heating up. Before they got a step further to their classroom, the speaker for the announcements was turned on with a high pitch echoing through the halls giving some students a headache. "Mike test one two three," it began, "Attention please, the following students, please report to the auditorium!"
Suzume and Rika exchanged glances asking in silent question what it was about and why the auditorium and acknowledging each other's question with a shrug knowing full well what each wanted to say.
"Ahem!" the announcer adlibbed making sure everyone was listening. "Shikita, Nikki ; Nakada Eiri; Nakajima, Koji; Maeda, Kei; Takano, Masahiko; Rukawa, Keade..."
The companions both gaped at that and exchanged startled glances. Everyone else were active people, so why Rukawa? They both shook their heads and continued their way to the classroom until, "And Shishouta, Rika." That earned her a few scowls and unwanted glares from Rukawa fans.
Rika's stomach doubled over but it was all she could do not to blush. She knew why they were staring daggers at her but not for the reasons - such as flirting and flinging with Rukawa - they thought. She muttered a curse under her breath and gave her friend a don't-you-dare-think-of-that look as she stalked off.
***
The students silently gathered around a teacher, wondering what that was all about, as they awaited the others. The silence, however, broke as the boys cooed and the girls muttered when Rika and Rukawa went in together. At the reaction they got, Rika growled keeping her eyes from turning silver once again and the other scowled. They just happened to arrive at the same second and they reacted that way! [Shallow people!] Rika muttered.
The teacher up front cleared his throat for everyone's attention. Rika glowered at him but faded as soon as she realized she was staring at the only gay teacher they had - the drama teacher. She shook her head. They couldn't be called for a play since she knew she couldn't act...much less in expecting Rukawa to do so. "You are all chosen to star in play which uses the English language; that is why all of you are chosen." With it he added muttering, "Just because you top English tests and speak them clearer than I do."
"But I can't act!" One of the students blurted out.
"That is why I am here to guide you...all of you!" he said haughtily to all of them.
"Try to get 'The Rock' to do it," Rika commented pointing to Rukawa slyly, "and I'll never think gay people are bad for the society."
The teacher glowered at her and the other students laughed out their lungs. Rukawa, however, gave a snort and shook his head.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, "I just couldn't help the thought of Kaede act." At the mention of his first name the girls eyed her grouchily.
When the guffaw died down, the teacher informed them that they would be performing "The King and I" but he preferred to call "Anna and the King." He described it in an exotic manner that most students pursed their lips in hopes that it will hide their amusement. He also explained that it will be performed for the international day they would be having at school. After he had finished his fervent expounding on the story, he handed each a script as he told them their roles.
When he came to Rukawa, he sneered at the boy trying to hide his little crush on him. "You, my boy, will play king Mongkut."
Rika, who was by his side, snickered realizing that the gay one has accepted her challenge. At her reaction, Rukawa interjected firmly. "I can't act."
"Nonsense!" he/she snorted, "If you don't do this, you will fail your English class. Your teachers and I have come to that agreement. Besides, I will pull you out of your classes, and you will be excused from them."
Rukawa glared at him and gave the teacher another excuse. "Besides, I don't think you have to act your part. You're fine the way you are; just make your voice louder."
Rukawa wanted to snap off his neck at that instant and give Rika a piece of his mind when he heard him/her as he/she approached Rika. "And you, my dear, will be Anna Leonowens."
"Her laughter turned into a startled scream. "What?! You're crazy!" she scandalized. "What makes you think I'M fit for that part?"
It was Rukawa's turn to laugh then. Somehow, he felt better knowing she would have the other lead role. Not because she would have more roles than him, but something else he couldn't place his finger on. Like how his heart was reacting at that moment - a loud taiko drum (the big Japanese drums) in his chest beating wildly. He wondered what that was all about. There was nothing! [Absolutely nothing!] He berated himself.
"But I still have a lot of work to be done with my other subjects!" she continued to protest but the teacher paid her no more mind than a caged barking dog.
"Karma." Rukawa sneered at her.
"Yeah. Talk about tough luck." She mumbled and counted the lines she must memorize. She certainly had more lines than anyone else and encouraged herself that she can do it so that she could pass her subjects.
Rukawa examined her own lines and grumbled about having almost as many lines as Rika. He hated memorization most of all, to say the least. He instructed them firmly and went to sit beside Rukawa throwing hints that he/she liked him.
As much as Rika wanted to tease Rukawa, she still felt a pang of pity and went over to them. "Kaede, let's go to the restaurant we went to last time. The food is quite good there, wouldn't you say?" she said in a voice low enough only for the three of them to hear.
The teacher harrumphed and stalked off leaving Rukawa aghast at Rika's question. "I'm not falling for that again." He told her sternly. "You're sister's a complete dou ahou!"
"Don't worry," she sighed smiling, "I just said that to get him out of your face. I know you're annoyed."
"You...don't mean anything by it?" he asked and his heart skipped a beat.
"None." She beamed at him. As her eyes rested upon his, she began to feel her face heat up and decided to go back to her seat and memorize her lines.
Rukawa looked away at that instant to keep his heart beating normally. He took time to catch his breath and glanced her way. Without any second to spare, his face flushed red and immediately hid his face behind the script and settled himself on memorizing them.
Most everyone was muttering their lines trying hard not to disturb others who were doing the same. There was an occasional growl and grunt of frustration but that was all that could be distinguished from the buzzing voices of the actors and actresses.
In a little while, they were practicing the first scene but wasn't able to finish even half of it with most of them not knowing how to act - stopping only when classes were declared over. Both Rika and Rukawa hurriedly went to the gym for basketball practice only to be greeted by coaxes about the both of them but paid them no mind.
Ayako hurried them off to practice saving them from Rika's tongue lashing which Rika was grateful for. They did their stretches and exercises with occasional comments from the manager and the assistant coach.
Seeing that Haruko was hesitant on being firm Rika went up to her. "You know Haruko, if you don't be firm now, I don't know if you would be able to make the team better. I know you can do it. If you're afraid because they're the stronger sex, think again. There's this article about a research in Reader's Digest I've read that women are the stronger sex. I'll give a copy to you. And if anyone gives you trouble, tell me. I'll smack them 'till their own wits tell them who's in charge."
Haruko smiled at her thankfully and made them work harder in a firmer voice that she thought she could never muster.
The coaches and managers watched amused at their speedy progress at the practice game. As for it, the team of, of course, Rukawa won once again and Sakuragi growled and muttered and accused them of cheating which he always did. Rika cut him of by giving him a level stare that Sakuragi knew well enough to stop himself.
In the remaining time left, Rika gave them another problem, "Now, tomorrow, I want you to show me the best scores you can gather up, at the next practice game, among yourselves. I want to see the comparison of a couple of scores and I'll see whether you understand what the word 'ace player' means."
Everyone looked at Rukawa and Rika shook her head ruefully and sighed.
Anzai chuckled, "It is according to your own interpretation, but I tell you, it has great difference in meaning to some as it is to others." He stood up and took all of them in, "I wish you good luck in solving the next one and now, I dismiss you all."
As soon as the players scattered, Rika hurriedly pushed a growling Rukawa to the showers and closed told him not to say a word or even get out of the showers when Rina came bursting in the gym.
"Rika, where's Rukawa?" she asked in a sing-song voice.
"Kaede?" she asked as if startled to see her there. "He just went home. You missed him. I'm sorry."
"What?!" Rina asked disbelievingly.
"We finished practice a little earlier and hurried from the gym." She said carefully picking the words so she did not lie and risk anyone exposing where he is.
"Drat!" she shook her head, "Alright then. I'll be earlier tomorrow. Tell him to wait for me."
Rika gave her a smile as her older sister went off. She breathed a sigh of relief and as Rukawa got out after hearing Rina scurry away. "I'm sorry Rukawa," she apologized, "I know that's a bit hard but, you know how she is. That...grrr...I can't even say it!" She turned to her ojii-san, "Ojii- san, I'll be going home late. Tell dad I have something else to do."
Anzai nodded and Rukawa intended to know what she was going to do, so he went up to her.
***
dunkmoonX: Sendou and Rika? Sigurado ka ba? Tignan nalang natin. Japanese? Self-study. Hirap! I practice with my mom's Japanese business partners. They talk too fast though.
Sofia/3sh: Me? Wise? Nah...just some silly idea. About Rina...you just have to find out.
Della: Hoy! Sa susunod, mag-log-off ka muna ha! Gamit mo pa tuloy yung name ko. Parang nireview ko yung sarili ko. Anyway, thankies!
ninny: I'm trying to make her as hateable (is there such a word?) as possible. I'm glad everyone finds her irritating.
Koibito wa baka na...totte mo anta ga itai na...totte mo anta ga tousou hitoride...