Disclaimer: I don't own Slam dunk… but someday I will find a way to be the co-owner of slam dunk… hehehehhe… (Hey, there is nothing wrong in dreaming…J)

Author's note:

                Please don't forget to review after finishing reading this chapter… J

Rhapsody of Destiny

Chapter 3      Successful album

"Are you crazy?" Sendoh and Mito chorused upon hearing the news that Sakura enclosed a deal with Rukawa about the album project.

"But that was our plan right? So why are you not happy that I close the deal already like we planned. Besides, we already got his cooperation. So what is wrong with it?" Sakura was confused by the reaction of his friends.

"What is wrong? What's wrong is the deal itself. I don't want you to continue the album and Akira you will find a way to break the deal made by Sakura to Rukawa, as soon as possible." Youhei's voice was filled with finality in them that Sakura was almost in tears due to the fierce way her friend sounded.

Sniff…sniff… "But can't you guys reconsider. I mean… I have dreamed this event to occur since I heard his song… I really want this project to come true. Please…" Her brown eyes were pleading and her beautiful face was already tear-stained.

Akira's and Youhei' anger subsided upon seeing her tear-stained face. Both drop their gaze to the floor and then glanced to each other trying to decipher agreement from each other's eyes. Then in complete unison nodded in agreement and supported Sakura's album. However, they kept the incident, which happened during the first time they met Rukawa, a secret. Sakura didn't recall any event that happened during her first encounter with the famous composer.

On the exact moment in the Rukawa's mansion

"Are you nuts?" Maki went berserk upon the announcement of Rukawa about the enclosed deal with the pretty Sakura.

"Nope… I am not crazy. I think it is the best idea and chance for me to get to know her better. To woo her and to make her mine in the end." Rukawa stated confidently and smiled picturing the scene when Sakura will be in his arms again.

"I though so… you have another motives in agreeing in that project. Rukawa, didn't you see the murderous look in her two managers? They want to kill you by doing that… that…"

"Kissing her…" Rukawa finishes Maki's sentence for him.

"Yes, definitely. So what will you do?"

"Like I said, I will try to court her and make her mine but before that I will have to appease her managers' fears first." Rukawa stated with finality and left the room to make plans to court his lovely Sakura.

Maki and Kenji was left agape with the determined look that they observed from Rukawa's face and action but nonetheless both are happy that Rukawa will soon have his own soul-mate and destiny. They wished him all the best and luck for him to conquer his own sweet darling.

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

The project went smoothly as expected and it was a big success that everyone loved Sakura's voice and Rukawa's song. The people forgot all about Rukawa's announcement about his love preference. The fans themselves became a matchmaker for the two, for they sure are a lovely pair.

Six months… it was already six months since the album was released and it already reached its peak that they have to release new set of album. It was a smash hits in the radio stores, that every time it was put in shelves it became sold-out within 24 hours.

Due to the success they are having, a party was held in honor for the two artists. Many showbiz people are present in the said party. Even the people from the high community where the Rukawa's belong.

Rukawa on the other hand made another plans for him and his lovely Sakura. He planned a picnic in the park where they first talk all by themselves and there he will propose to her – tell her all about his feelings for her. Rukawa feels that Sakura felt the same way like he does because she always smiles at him.

Meanwhile, Sakura is beginning to feel restless and uncomfortable being in a party. She is not a partygoer and not that sociable. She fears that people might know her or worst she may act "stupid" again.

"Sakura, are you alright?" Sendoh was worried seeing Sakura paled and fidgeting in the living room.

"You know that I hate parties. I don't like parties. So why do you have to plan this stupid party." Sakura sneer at Sendoh in a controlled voice so as not to get some attention.

"Sakura, it is Maki's idea besides if we didn't come he will suspect something. HE has been trying to trap me in telling some valuable information about you. HE suspects something about your identity. Therefore, we have to ride along his plans or else we might expose your real identity." Youhei explained trying to appease Sakura of her uneasiness.

"I know that Youhei. And I am really grateful for the two of you. I can really trust you guys. But can't we leave early. This party is getting on my nerves already." Sakura sweetly smiled.

"This party is also getting on my nerves. So want to come with me Sakura, I know a place where you will like it and enjoy the scenery." Out of nowhere, Rukawa spoke exactly at the back of Sakura that startled the trio.

"Have you been listening to our conversation again, Rukawa?" Sendoh asked with a sarcastic tone.

"Nope, I just overheard that Sakura here, is bored by this party you planned. So I am inviting her to go somewhere she won't be bored." Rukawa's voice was as sarcastic as Sendoh and his blue eyes shot daggers at Sendoh. Youhei and Sakura who are watching sweat dropped as they started to see lightning coming from the eyes of the two boys.

'Hai..hai... I will come with you Rukawa. That's so nice of you. So see ya guys. Hope you'll enjoy. Oh before I forget. Youhei don't forget to call Haru-chan and Akira give Hiro-kun a ring will you. Both of you guys promise them." Sakura give both his friend a tight hug and a kiss in their cheeks. Rukawa burned in envy to the two guys but kept it to himself as he keep on his expressionless façade.

The two already left but Sendoh can't helped but fear for the worst.

"I just hope Rukawa won't make his move now. OR else Sakura will go bye-bye before he can say anything else." Sendoh said while seeing the retreating figure of the two and sipping on his wine.

"It is a good thing that the contract that we made is good for only six months. And she hadn't renew her contract yet. If ever the worst may happen there is nothing can stop her from leaving here. I just hope it won't happen." Youhei added and was feeling the same way as Sendoh. Fear for the welfare of their friend.

The two didn't fail to guess what was going on in Rukawa's mysterious mind.

~ OWARI ~

Author's note:

Hope you guess are having fun. Hope you like reading all our fic… J (not only mine… mine I think is the most bizarre one – if not, it is still fine and I enjoy making it…) Hope minna-san would like all our weird chapters and fics.. J Arigato minna-san for your support.

Please don't forget to review. Thanks