I'm not a Cheater

by Princess Ren

Rukawa once have a girlfriend during Junior High. Now High School, he started to regret that he broke up with her. Will he realize he still loves her before it's too late? But what if it's too late? What will he do? Pls. R&R!

6. Saying Goodbyes part 2

"I'm not a Cheater"

Author's notes: Okay, here's chapter 4- part 2… I hope you enjoy it! And please review!

And the winner of the poll is none other than…. Sendoh Akira. He won by 6-1!!!!! He'll make his appearance by the next chapter!

Babypooh- Thanks for reviewing!!! Don't worry I'll finish this fic even though I don't know when…. But I'll make sure I finish it!!!!

Maverick- Salamat!!! Wag kang mag-alala, marearealize ni Rukawa yun pag-alam na niya yung sagot sa tanong niya (chapter 3) Si Fujima? Dapat siya at si Sendoh yung ilalagay ko sa poll kaso nagbago isip ko kaya si Mitsui na lang… anyway, salamat ulit sa review mo!

(Thanks!!! Don't worry, Rukawa will realize it when he knows the answer to his question. Fujima? He's supposed to be the one I had putted on the poll with Sendoh but I change my mind so I putted Mitsui instead. Again, Thanks for the review!)

SDButterfly- Thanks! You know for your suggestion… I think it's a wonderful idea but it's quiet late for that so SORRY!!!!! Maybe I'll try to make that to another fic when I finish this one. But I hope you still review my story!

Anonymous- Thanks for reviewing!

Mystique- Thanks! Don't worry this fic will have a VERY NICE ending. I'll make sure of that!!!!

Angelfox- Salamat ng marami!!!! (Thanks a lot!!!!!) Yup! I'm only in second year. Sorry if I made you cry!

White-Angel- Hehehe…. Fujima will be in the fic but only in some time… even though I just hope you continue reviewing! Thanks!

Bloody Raven- I counted you vote but sorry… Sendoh won. L Even though I just hope you still review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Slam Dunk or it's characters! But I do own the ones that I have created!

Chapter 4- part 2

Rei was silently sitting in her chair and waiting for the bell to ring. Once she arrives Keiko and the others greeted her. Once Keiko and Naoko sitted next to Rei they realized that there is something wrong with Rei's eyes but decided not to ask for they knew it why… she has been crying… again. Right now her mind was blank, she remained like that when Rukawa entered.

'Good Afternoon… Kaede-kun.' She greeted him mentally. She looked at him if something is different, and there is. She could not pin point it. But she knew there is something. She dismissed all her thoughts once he is sitted.

"Rei-chan…" a voice said, Rei looked at where it is coming from and realized it was Naoko.

"What is it Naoko-chan?" she asked as she gently smile to her.

"Did you…."

"Yes?"

"Did you…"

"Did you study for the test in math?" Keiko continued for Naoko. Indeed it was not the question that Naoko will ask, and Keiko knew it. And she doesn't want Rei to be sad again so she just asked another question.

Once Keiko said it Naoko's head looked up to the direction of Keiko and gave her a questioning look. Keiko gave her an answer by giving her the LOOK. Naoko then gave her a sigh and nodded.

"Yes, did you study for it?" Naoko asked and daring not to try to asked THE QUESTION again.

"Oh… that. Of course I did study for it… how 'bout you?" she said gently.

"Yes we did." They both said.

"Why did you suddenly asked?"

"Nothing. Just asking." Keiko immediately said

"Oh. Ok."

With that the bell rang and their English teacher entered. They remained quiet and listened to the teacher, only a few more days and they will go to have their finals.

~#~#~

"Okay class! This will be the last test I'm going to give you… which means after this there will be no tests in the next meetings." Their math teacher said as everyone cheered. This is their last subject for today and after this there will be the club meeting… the last. And they have so much to do.

"Class! Keep Quiet!" he ordered as everyone did what he has told.

"Since this will be the last test I'm giving you, I want it to be special. I decided that this last test would be by pair…" he said as the class began to be noisy again.

"Quiet!"

"Ahem, as I was saying your last test will be by pair and I am the one to choose." He finished as he looked at the class to see their reaction, seeing none he continued.

"The test is over 30, meaning each one of you will be working with 15 items. When you and your partner are already finished you both will exchange papers and review your partner's papers…. Any questions so far?" he asked then looked at the class.

"I know some of you are guessing why I put by pairs is that because if some of your answers are wrong your partner can able to correct it." He said as he saw the students nodded.

"Before I tell you your partner, I JUST hope none of you failed this test!" he said. True this will be the last test they will be having and he expect them to all pass, so he come up with this idea.

"Ok. Listen carefully to your partners…." He started, as everyone remained silent. All the students are silently praying that they hope that their partner will be Rei. For they knew if their partner is Rei they would be perfect with the test.

'Please! Anyone except for HER!' Rukawa pleaded in his mind, he's eyes were closed and were praying silently not to let Rei be his partner.

Keiko and the others looked at Rukawa and saw him; eyes closed and was sitting uncomfortably.

"I didn't know he could act like that." Keiko whispered to Naoko who giggled lightly.

"I bet he's praying not to let Rei be his partner." She whispered back.

Keiko and Naoko exchange glances and looked at Rei who was intently listening to the teacher for whom will be her partner.

'I wonder who will be my partner…' she thought. Actually Rei was thinking to let her teacher choose Rukawa be her partner but she knew better. If he was to be her partner right now, she don't know what reaction he would get, definitely mad due to what happened. Her thoughts were dismissed when she heard her teacher say her family name.

"Next will be…. Anzai. Rei your partner will be…." Her teacher said as he looked at her from his class list

Everyone's eyes were on their teacher. Silently pleading to let Rei be his/ her partner for the quiz.

"Your partner will be… Rukawa." He finished everyone eyes widened and silently cursed Rukawa for his luck and their sensei for not picking him/her to be Rei's partner. As for Rei, she was silently gasping and asking for a change, but she didn't get one. She just sighed and nodded.

'Might as well bear with it.'

Keiko and Naoko's reaction to that was they were surprised and they glared to each other then to their teacher. They want to hit him on the head and tell him that he should change it due to a PROBLEM. But then they looked at Ken and the other guys who have their eyes widened and their mouths were open in disbelief.

'Did he JUST said that KAEDE will be Rei-chan's partner!?' Ken and the others thought at the same time. They looked at Rei who have a frowning face and then to Rukawa who they saw glaring intently to their sensei. They could tell he didn't LIKE it a bit.

As for Rukawa, once he heard Rei's last name his eyes tightened from opening and was shouting mentally, 'PLEASE DON'T LET IT BE ME!' but unfortunately his prayer was not granted. Once he heard his name his eyes shot open and glared intently to the teacher who was currently busy telling the other students who their partner would be. He then looked at Rei's back, since he was in the back and saw her shoulders shaking then relax and he knew she didn't like it. But they have to face reality. THEY were to be partner to this test and nothing will change that. With that he absently looked at Rei's back and saw her beautiful soft raven hair. But even it's her back she's still beautiful.

'What am I thinking!?' he asked himself. He then mentally slap himself for thinking things like that. He just ignore it and he returned to his daily routine, sleeping.

After the teacher said all the names of each student's partners the teacher told them last instructions before going.

"Ok class! Also I will be the one to say whether you pass the papers or not also if you already have finished and checking the other paper please be silent. Before you go to your respective places I just want to tell you that do your best here and also if I found you talking to the others you will get an immediate 0! Understand?" he looked at the class who he saw them nod.

"Ok. I'll be roaming around to give you papers… Please go to your respective partners and while doing that… no talking!"

Then the class stood and came to their respective partners. Keiko's partner was Ken, Naoko, Tetsuya and as for Takeshi another girl from the class. Rei silently move to a vacant sit near Rukawa and move the chair to let her face to face with him. Unfortunately Rukawa was sleeping. Rei just sighed and knew this will be a LONG test.

"Look at Rukawa! He don't seem to be interested in the test!" someone hissed to the other.

"Yes! You're right! He doesn't seem to realize that he's lucky enough to be Anzai-san's partner." Someone whispered.

And then the class began to have whispers but soon it died when their teacher shouted,

"Do you all want to have 0s!?"

Then the teacher started to give each student 2 papers. And when he came across to Rei and a sleeping Rukawa….

"Here you go Anzai…" as Rei gladly receive the paper and looked at the questions.

'mmm… it's not hard. We could pass it.' She said mentally. Then she look at Rukawa and frowned a bit. He is still sleeping.

"Ahem! Mr. Rukawa if you please kindly wake up and do your test!" the teacher ordered and immediately Rukawa woke up but still a bit sleepy.

"What do you want!? Sensei!?" he hissed. The teacher just raised his eyebrow and ignore Rukawa's outburst.

"If you please kindly help Ms. Anzai to answer the test." He said as he forced himself not to shout and hit Rukawa on the head for disrespecting him.

Rukawa just glared at him and took the paper from the sensei's hand as he mumble some incoherent words.

"Excuse me? What did you say?"

"Nothing. I just said that I would help her do the test." Rukawa replied flatly. Just then the teacher nodded and walked off.

"You better. I don't want my students to fail the test even though I know Anzai could never fail it." He then looked at Rei and saw a faint blush on her cheeks.

Just then when the teacher walk off to another pair. Rukawa and Rei just looked at each other and just then Rukawa's gazed as he saw Rei's eyes.

'Her eyes are so sad…' he thought then he mentally slapped himself for thinking things like that. But then he immediately felt his heart break seeing her like that. But then he just shoved off the feeling.

"So…." Rei started Rukawa just looked at her.

"… since we're partners, why don't we work together to past this test?" she asked.

"……" Rei just sighed

"Ok. I do this paper and you do that then after that we exchange papers to see each others answers… is it ok?"

"……" she sighed again and said,

"Very well… shall we start?" as she pull her ball pen from her pocket.

"……." Then Rukawa just put his head on the desk with his arms and went back to sleep. Rei just sighed again and thought for a moment.

'Kaede… what do you want me to do to forgive me?' she asked and looked at Rukawa who had just fallen asleep. She sighed and started to work.

'Might as well finish this fast and start to work with the other… since he don't want to do it…' she thought as she started to work and solve the problems quietly.

"Just look at him! He doesn't seem to care if they fail! If Rei-chan fails!" Keiko hissed to Ken.

"Yes, I know. But that's not bothering me…" Ken replied, Keiko just gave him a confused look and said,

"Then what?" Keiko asked in a whispering tone so the teacher won't catch them talking.

"Well, It's just since we will be going separate ways… do you think Kaede will ever realize that Rei didn't cheat him?"

Keiko then blinked and said,

"Don't worry I'm sure he will realize it but… maybe it will be too late when he realize it." Keiko whispered back.

"You think? But I really want them to be together again… you know I can't stand seeing Rei-chan sad like this… and I know she's just trying to show that she already forgot what happen so we won't worry about her." Ken said as he look at the direction where Rukawa and Rei is.

"I know what you mean. But do you think Rukawa will just suddenly realize out of the blue, 'Hey! I just realized that you didn't cheated me… so why not make up?' You know Rukawa is just so stubborn and an idiot to realize that!" Keiko hissed

"I know, I know. But Kaede is not fully an idiot! Sure we can call him an idiot for not realizing it's just jealousy and he just want Rei-chan's attention just to be on him but that doesn't mean he's really an idiot."

"I know that! But still! I can't stand here and see Rei-chan be sad. But I'm sure someday Rukawa will realize the big mistake and I know when he realize that Rei-chan already have someone else…" Keiko answered.

"Yes. But I just hope he realize it before Rei-chan has already someone else."

"We shall see…." Keiko said, and then they stopped talking and went back to work. Little did they know Naoko and Tetsuya have the same conversation like they have.

~#~#~

It has been 20 minutes have pass since the test has started. And it was just in time when Rei finished solving the problems. Actually the test really seems hard but for Rei it's just as easy as ABC. Well what do you expect from an intelligent student like her? As she check her answers Rei smiled and mentally thought.

'All correct… we have pass the test. But it would great if we have a better score than the passing one…' she then looked at Rukawa who was still sleeping. She then sighed and slowly reach her hand to get the other paper so she could answer it. Once she had reach the paper she pulled it towards her, but as slow as possible so she could not wake him up. Rei slightly wince when she saw Rukawa move a little. She then smiled slightly when she successfully pulled the paper out of Rukawa's desk.

She studied the paper for a while and smiled. 'This is much easier than the one I answered.' She then started to work to the other paper as fast as she could.

Rei smiled as she finished answering all the questions. She studied them again and smiled. Yup, no doubt THEY will pass the last test. She looked at her watch and saw it was just 2:45. They still have 15 minutes and she will use it wisely. She looked at Rukawa who was still sleeping and sighed. The teacher told them that each must study the other's paper and that's what she will going to do. But she doesn't know how. She hated interrupting people especially when they're sleeping. But she has no choice, if not the teacher might give them deduction. With a long sigh she slowly reach her hand to his shoulder. Once she touch him she slightly blushed and shake him a little.

"Rukawa? Rukawa… please wake up…" she said in a gentle voice.

"……" no answer. So she tried again and this time her voice a little louder.

"Rukawa, please wake up…" again she got no answer. She tried again and again still she got no answer. She just sighed and stopped for a moment.

"Look at Rukawa! He's still sleeping…" Naoko hissed to Tetsuya.

"I know…. He's not like that during the past few months…"

"Yeah! He's started to act like that since…. Since… Oh! I don't want to say it! If I do I might shout here!"

"Calm down, Naoko-chan. you're right. He's been like that since… that "incident" and he doesn't seem to care."

"Just look at Rei-chan! She's trying her might to wake Rukawa up but there seems no result." She then looked towards Rei and Rukawa who was sleeping and sighing.

"Right!"

After a few minutes Rei tried again to wake up Rukawa.

"Rukawa…. Please wake up!" Rei said softly. Just then she saw him move a bit.

"Rukawa? Please wake up… you need to review the answers." She said as she began to shake him slightly. Just then a ball of paper hit Rukawa on the head and immediately woken him up.

Rei looked at the direction where the ball came from and saw Ken and Keiko waving at her slightly. And they have a grin on their faces. She looked at them puzzled then looked at Rukawa who was glaring at her. She just sighed and said,

"I'm glad you're awake now… Um… since the teacher said that each must review the other's paper why not do it." She said gently as she gave him the two papers. Just then Rukawa was still glaring at her and said,

"No one disturbs my sleep!" he hissed coldly at her and then he torn the papers in half! Rei just silently gasped to what she had seen and bowed her head low.

"I- I'm so sorry!" she said

"NO excuse! I bet you're the one who threw the paper ball at me!"

"No. It wasn't me…" she said as she looked at Rukawa who was tearing the test papers into pieces. Rei bit her lip. How will she explain to her sensei that Rukawa tore their test papers. Rei just bowed her head low and tried not to cry.

In the meantime, Keiko, Ken, Naoko, Tetsuya and Takeshi were witnessing what happened. Anger slowly filled their bodies as they glared intently at Rukawa. They saw him tore the test papers that Rei worked hard to finish before time.

'What in the world do he think he is doing!?' they demanded on their heads. Right now they wanted to hurt Rukawa to his stupidity, and they knew right now that Rei and Rukawa were definitely going to get a PERFECT 0! And it angered them. They knew, never in Rei's life she haven't got any 0s but now…..

"Ok! Class pass all your papers and don't forget to write your name and your partners!" the teacher shouted and Ken and the others wince once he said that.

Everyone passed the papers except for Rei and Rukawa's their papers were on the floor, torn and it would really took them about an hour or so to get it together if not a whole day. Rukawa really did a good job tearing the papers.

Once the teacher receives the papers he said,

"Ok! Now go back to your proper sits and again NO talking!"

After a while everyone was in their sits and waited to their teacher to speak who was currently studying every paper.

He stopped as he looked at the last paper and looked at the class, particularly to Rei and Rukawa.

"Anzai, Rukawa? Where are your test papers?" he asked loudly as everyone's eyes looked at the two. Right now Rei's head was bowed lowed and Rukawa was just sitting there and glaring at Rei and to the others.

No answer.

The teacher sighed and said,

"You two, come here." He ordered but he's voice was gentle and they did what he had told. As Rei walked towards the teacher's desk her head was low and dared not to look to anyone. But as for Rukawa he was just walking as if nothing have happened.

'I swear to God if Rei-chan get a 0, Rukawa will truly PAY for HIS crimes!' Keiko and Naoko both thought.

"So… tell me where are your papers?" their sensei asked as he looked at the two.

No Answer.

The teacher sign and said,

"Where are your papers?" he asked again.

Right now the class was in complete silent and listening very carefully to their teacher. Rei and Rukawa's paper were not there and they don't know why, but they where sure Rei was answering it minutes ago. Keiko and the others glance at each other, then looked at the two.

'What am I going to tell him?' Rei asked herself as she kept her head low. Sure she could just tell him that Rukawa tore the papers and actually tell the sensei it was ALL Rukawa's fault.

'What am I going to do? I don't want us to have a 0 and also I don't want the teacher to blame Kaede…' she said again. She just sighed as she rose her head up and looked at Rukawa, who she saw have a calm expression, yet she could tell he was not pleased.

"Well…?" their teacher waited for an answer. Rei bit her lip and looked at the class who where looking at them. Her gazed where stopped as she saw the faces of her friends. She knew her friends what happened earlier and she knew they were blaming Rukawa AGAIN. She then looked at his teacher and then bowed her head low once again,

"Gomen Nasai…" she said

"What?" her teacher asked, Rukawa was also looking at her with a confused expression.

'What is she saying?' he thought

"I'm so sorry…" she repeated again.

Keiko and the others looked at each other and back to her. They didn't know what she is saying… why is she sorry? She didn't do anything.

"I'm so sorry…. It's my fault…" she said, she bit her lip and was silently apologizing for lying, but she has too… she don't want Rukawa to be punished and she don't care if she do get a 0 in the test…

"What do you mean your fault? You didn't do anything…" her teacher answered he was completely confused why Rei was saying sorry.

"I'm sorry… I'm the one to blame…" she apologized again.

"What are you saying Anzai?" her teacher asked.

Rukawa just looked at her and was slightly shock to see Rei lying to their teacher. He knew he was also the one to blame 'cause he was the ONE who tore the papers. Keiko and the others where gasping slightly. Not believing what they are seeing. Their friend, Rei was lying let alone to a teacher. But they knew why… it's because of RUKAWA. As for the class they where listening to her, they were also confused to why Rei was sorry.

"It's my fault why we didn't pass the paper… It's all because of me…" she said again. You can't see her face due to she bowed her head low and her bangs were covering her eyes.

"It- it's your fault? Rei, explain it properly…" her teacher asked.

"It's my fault that we didn't pass the paper…. It's because…" she trailed off. She bit her lip and her mind started to work to come up with an excuse.

'Think fast! What am I going to tell him?'

"Go ahead Rei…" her teacher instructed.

"It's because of my stupidity!" she said aloud and the class gasped. They started to murmur. Keiko and the others looked at Rei. They knew she is not stupid and whatever reason she will be giving is not true. As for Rukawa, he looked at Rei and raised an eyebrow. Their teacher had his eyes widened and his mouth was wide open. He snapped out of it and said in a commanding tone,

"Silence!" and the class did.

"Ahem… Rei… how come?"

"Sir, I got pissed off answering a question and I can't think the correct answer so I just tore the papers…" Rei answered. She bit her lip again and mentally slapped herself for a silly excuse.

'What a lousy reason you got Rei!' she mentally said.

'What an excuse' Rukawa thought as he looked at Rei.

Keiko and the others looked at each other and then to Rei, their eyes were wide.

"What? Did I hear her right?" Keiko whispered to Naoko, also Naoko was just nodded in disbelief

"I can't believe Rei-chan made a lousy excuse…" Ken added.

"You know it's not her fault in the first place… it's Rukawa's!" Naoko hissed

"We know… after this we'll gonna talk to him." Tetsuya said

"Don't forget to bring us!" Keiko whispered back

"Don't worry we will… after the class? When the club starts?" Takeshi joined in.

"Sure. But we need to tell Rei that she better go to the other clubs and finish everything before she go in the gym." Keiko said with a smirk.

"Then that's final. We're gonna teach him a lesson that he'll regret about EVERYTHING." Ken said

"Right!" They said in unison.

When the teacher heard the reason all he could do was blink. He expect something more excusable but he just heard something, like that.

"Okay… Rei is that all?" Her teacher believed. But something is telling him that it's an awful lie but he just refused to listen. He knew Rei could never lie. She's an honest person.

"H-Hai… I'm truly sorry… If it's possible please let Rukawa out of this…" she pleaded. Deep inside she was smiling, for her teacher believed in that lousy excuse.

"I'm also sorry but I can't do that…" her teacher said, Rei looked at him and then to Rukawa. She made eye contact to him and in her eyes she was sorry.

'Is she saying sorry? Why?' Rukawa thought

"Why?" Rei asked. Again she bit her lip. She failed the test she know it.

"This is a partner test and if your pair or you failed then your partner will fail also… I'm sorry but you two will be having zero in this last test." Her teacher said as he sighed.

Rei and Rukawa looked at each other then to their teacher.

"We understand sir." Rei said as he nodded. Then the bell rang.

"Okay class! You all are now dismiss!" As the teacher clean up the table and leave the classroom, as the student's follow. Keiko and the others remained; they were about to talk when Rei said,

"I'm sorry…" she said to Rukawa as Rukawa looked at her coldly and leave without glancing.

Rei sighed and started to walk to her desk and fixed her things.

Keiko and Naoko approach her and looked at her.

"Rei-chan…" Naoko started

"We're sorry." Keiko continued, Rei stopped and looked at them slightly confused

"You're sorry? What for?" She asked politely

"It's our fault…" Naoko answered

"You're fault? Why would that happened? You didn't do anything."

"Of course we do! We didn't help you out there…" Keiko lowered her voice as she realized that she shouted.

"…"

"Rei-chan you know… you lied to the teacher just to save that JERK."

"Naoko-chan! Watch your language!"

"Gomen. But don't change the subject Rei-chan!"

"I know, I lied and I really don't mean that." Rei said sadly

"You know the excuse to the teacher was a lousy one." Keiko joked.

"I know, but I need to think of something, glad the teacher believe me…"

"But Rei-chan… you're not mad at HIM!?" Keiko asked

"Of course not! Why would I be mad?"

"Well you have many reasons… too many, add the thing he did today."

"Oh c'mon guys, you know I'll never be mad at him… it's not his fault." She said sadly.

"What?" the two said in unison

Rei sighed, "I'll never be mad at him…" she repeated

"Rei-chan do you understand what you are saying? He has done enough take the test for example! You failed the test! A zero! You know you never had a zero in your life have you?" Keiko asked anger filling her voice.

"Of course I do! I perfectly understand what I am saying. I don't care if I did get a zero. We still have the exams." She said as she grab her bag.

Keiko and Naoko just sighed deeply. It's no use whatever they do they can't bring Rei to hate Rukawa. But they knew sooner or later she will be giving up on him and will be happy in another man's arms, making her happy. They walk to their desks and grab their bags. They both smiled and remember what Ken have told them.

"Um… Rei-chan?" Keiko asked as she followed Rei towards the door.

"What is it?" she looked at her

"We were just wondering… what club are you going to go first?" Naoko asked

"Well come to think of it I haven't decided yet… why do you ask?" she said with a smile.

"Nothing really, we just want to know." Keiko answered.

"Ok. Um…. Maybe I may go first to the Student Council then to the Gymnastics' then to the Volleyball and the last will be Basketball… do you think it's okay?"

Keiko and Naoko smiled. "Yes."

Okay then… since the clubs will be starting I better go to the Student Council… I'll be seeing you two later, Okay?" She said as she started to walk towards another direction.

"Sure!" The two replied happily.

"Just promise me you don't start the fun without me." She reminded

"Don't worry! We promise." Keiko shouted as she looked at Rei's retreating figure.

When she was nowhere in sight, Keiko and Naoko grinned at each other. They'll do what they have to do. They started to walk to the direction of the gym; both excited to what's going to happen next.

~#~#~

After the teacher dismissed the students Ken and the others looked at each other. They too were shock; he'll be giving Rei and Rukawa a zero. Anger filled their body when Rei just accepted it without questioning. They knew never in Rei's life she got a zero. It's her first time just because of their friend, Rukawa Kaede.

As they saw Rukawa moving they too, moved. Right now they wanted to hurt Rukawa so badly but they can't. Rei was there and they don't want her to be angry at them so they wait patiently when they arrived at the gym, together with Keiko and Naoko. When Rukawa walked towards the door Ken hit Keiko by his elbow at her back to remind them about the plan. Once they where out Ken and the others didn't dare to talk. They silently made their way to the gym.

"Why so quiet?" Rukawa asked breaking the silence. Ken and the others were startled when Rukawa spoke.

"Huh? Nothing we just don't have anything to talk too." Takeshi answered

"Ok." With that they remained silent again.

Once they were in the gym everyone greeted them. All have hints of sadness in their eyes. They knew very well the reason… it's their last meeting in the year and they will make final arrangement before they leave.

Also the other team was there… the girls' team. Of course they have the right too, they were sharing the gym for about 2 months, due to the other gym was making some repairs to make it better. Ken and the others frowned when they didn't see Keiko and Naoko.

'Maybe they're still changing.' Ken thought just in time Keiko and Naoko entered the gym. Everyone also greeted them. Rukawa looked at them then looked away.

"Hi there guys!" Keiko greeted Ken and the others.

"Hello!" Tetsuya said as he smiled evilly to them.

"Where's Rei-chan?" Takeshi asked

"She's in the other clubs right now, she'll go here the last." Naoko replied as she also smiled.

Ken and Keiko smiled and looked at Rukawa who was dribbling the ball.

"Oi! Kaede! Come over here!" Ken shouted happily and smiled as everyone looked at him.

Tetsuya and Takeshi started to form their hands into fists. Keiko and Naoko just looked at each other and smirked.

"Why?" he demanded as he stopped dribbling the ball and looked at him

"We got something to tell you." He answered

"Why not come here?" Ken just sighed.

"Please…" Takeshi said

"It's very important." Tetsuya added and Rukawa did what he was told. He walk towards them.

"What's so impor-" he was cut short when Ken hit him in the stomach and sent him flying to the wall. Everyone stopped what they were doing and gasped at the scene.

"Captain! Ken-sempai why did you do that to the captain!?" Yusuke demanded as he approach Rukawa.

"Don't you come near him Yusuke!" Ken ordered, and he did.

He was about to speak when Rukawa said,

"What was that for!?" he hissed as he silently wince in pain

"That was for today!" Tetsuya answered as he moved towards him and blow another punch in his stomach, everyone gasped again.

A girl approach Keiko and Naoko,

"Keiko-san, Naoko-san please stop them." She begged

"Sorry Madoka but we can't do that." Keiko said

"But…"

"He needs to be taught a lesson… especially what he did." Naoko said as she clenches her teeth. She also moved towards Rukawa, Takeshi was about to blow a punch on Rukawa's face but Naoko stopped him.

"Let me do that for you Takeshi-kun." Naoko said darkly

She then raised her right hand and slapped Rukawa hard on the cheek.

"Naoko-san, Ken-san, Takeshi-san, Tetsuya-san… please stop! You're hurting the captain!" Aoko said. (A.N. Remember him?)

"Keiko-san! Please stop them!" he begged her but she also shook her head.

"So Rukawa do you have enough!?" Keiko yelled angrily to Rukawa, loud enough to hear in the whole gym.

"Darn you idiots!" was all Rukawa could say.

"Hah! You're telling us we're the idiots? Don't make me laugh!" Naoko said

"Kaede, you know we're not the idiot here, you're the one!" Ken shouted as he give another punch to Rukawa.

"Why would I!?" he demanded

"Well there are many things to make you the idiot! Too many to say, take the test papers for example!" Keiko answered

"Do you have to tear the papers because you thought that she was the one who hit you in the head with a paper ball!?" Tetsuya stated rather than a question.

"Well I'll tell you something Kaede! Rei-chan was not the one who threw the paper ball at you! It was ME! I need to help her 'cause you're not waking up!" Ken said, Rukawa glared at him coldly but he ignored it.

"I'm going to tell Rei-chan that I'm sorry. Half of the incident is my fault why SHE GOT A ZERO!" Ken continued, everyone gasped to what they heard, with the exception of Rukawa, Naoko, Ken, Takeshi and Tetsuya.

"Rei-san got a zero!?" Yusuke asked, widely shock.

"Yes! And it's all Rukawa's fault! Though Ken insists that half of it was his fault. Which is not, he's just helping Rei-chan to wake Rukawa up." Keiko answered

"Could you tell us what happened really?" Aoko asked politely.

"We had our last test in Math today and the teacher decided that it will be by pair. He chose the partners and Rei-chan ended up with HIM!" Naoko replied

"Then when the sensei was finished giving the papers Kaede slept, leaving Rei-chan to answer all the questions by herself which is against the sensei's orders. After she finished all the questions she GENTLY woke Kaede, but it was no use." Tetsuya continued.

"Then when we saw it, I threw a paper ball to Kaede's head, waking him up. He then concluded that it was Rei-chan that was the one who threw it." Ken said

"After that he tore the papers then tore it again and stopped when it was in many pieces. It was the time that our sensei told us to pass the papers." Takeshi added as he looked at Rukawa, disgusted to what he has done.

"When the sensei received the papers he reviewed them and realized that Rei-chan's and Rukawa's paper was not there, he asked them to come to the front and asked them the reason why." Keiko said.

"Both of them didn't spoke at first but when he asked again Rei-chan apologized. He was confused and so was the class to why she was apologizing. She then told the sensei that it was HER fault." Ken smiled slightly to Rei's kindness and then frowned when he looked at Rukawa.

"She even lied to the teacher just to save the JERK!" Keiko and Naoko said together, angrily. As everyone heard it, they gasped. Anzai Rei, their idol lied to the teacher. But they knew why she lied, she lied just to save him.

"She- She lied? What lie did she gave?" Yusuke stuttered

"A lousy one. She told the teacher that she tore the papers because she was pissed off. She said that she didn't know what the answer so she became pissed and tore it." Keiko said coolly, everyone sweatdropped to her answer.

"Gladly the teacher accepted it." Naoko said.

'How come there always at Rei's side!?' Rukawa thought angrily. He was beginning to be pissed off but can't do anything. (A.N. Rukawa is OOC don't you think so?)

"So Rukawa, have you learned your lesson? You know we won't stop unless you realize all the wrong things you have done to Rei-chan." Keiko said menacingly.

"Idiot." Rukawa mumbled

"Whatever." She replied

~#~#~

Rei was happily walking towards the gym; she was dressed in her practice clothes. She already came to the other clubs to make the final arrangements. One more and she'll be done. She was happy that the clubs have now a new captain and she wished them good luck to next year's tournaments. But she was slightly sad that she wouldn't be playing with them again for she will be in High School.

"High School… I'll be in High School after the vacation… time is so fast…" she whispered to herself. She don't want to go to another school cause she have wonderful memories in this school. Too many that she lost count. She suddenly thought about Rukawa. She'll never forget him… ever. A small tear escaped from her lovely face. She breathe hard to erase the tension she was having. She smiled as she saw the door of the gym. She opened it slowly and silently. She then entered and greeted everyone.

"Hi guys!" Rei said happily

"Hello!" everyone replied.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." She said apologetically

"It's okay… so how did it go to the other clubs?" Keiko asked

"It work up really fine… though it's hard to make farewells." She said sadly. Everyone nodded.

"So… What did I miss?" Rei asked with a smile on her lips. She looked at everyone and some of them shrugged and some coughed.

"What? Did I said something wrong?" she asked

"N-no… you didn't." Ken said he to stop what he was doing and looked at Rei.

"Oh…" she then looked around and saw some solemn faces. She stopped looking around when she saw Rukawa. He was playing with some members but what caught her attention was his face. By the looks of it, he was beaten slightly. Her eyes turned with worry, she walk towards him but them stopped when she remember her position in his life. She looked at Keiko and the others and asked,

"W-What happened to Kae- Rukawa?"

The others looked at each other and remained silent,

"What happened to him?" she repeated worriedly

"He was pun-" Yusuke said but was cut short by Ken,

"You see he was playing basketball and he was threw the ball in the ring which bounced off and accidentally hit him straight in the face…" Ken explained nervously, and he was also silently saying sorry to her for lying.

"Ken-san… you won't tell Rei-san the truth?" Yusuke whispered to Ken.

"I know… but she do not need to know that. She had enough of this. We don't want her to have another problem do we?" he whispered back, he shook his head.

"But still she needs to know…"

"How come do I feel your not telling the truth?" she asked again.

Ken and the others looked at her and laugh nervously.

"C'mon Rei-chan, It's the truth… why don't you believe that?" Tetsuya asked

"I don't know…. But something is telling your lying…"

"We're not." Keiko said ask she raised her right hand and her left at her back, fingers crossing.

"We swear"

"Ok. Guys assemble!" Rei said in a nice but commanding voice and they stopped and started to assemble, the girls that is."

Once every female member was in place Rei spoke,

"Ok. Since this is the last meeting we will be having we, seniors are going to make some final arrangements." Everyone nodded.

"As you all know, before the end of the year we seniors always choose someone to take over the club… we have then decided who will be the next captain… but we also respect your decisions so right now you choose… either you vote for the next captain or we tell you who we have chosen?" Rei said accordingly. She looked at them with proud eyes and smiled. She sure gonna miss this club most.

Everyone was silent for a while and then said,

"Your decision captain! We know that you will gonna choose the most suitable person in your place." They chorused.

Rei smiled and then looked at Keiko and Naoko who nodded.

"Okay! It was actually a hard decision for us for we all know that each one of you can be the captain… And who ever the captain will be… please let the team always have confidence and never let the team down." She said with a smile.

"Also we hope that the next captain will do her best together with the other members. Also the vice captain should also help the captain to support the team." Keiko added.

"And never forget the teamwork. It is important." Naoko continued.

"Also no matter happens don't ever give up." Rei smiled to them, which they returned it.

"Rei-chan…"

"Now I'm gonna announce who is going to be the next captain… Girls I proudly present…" Rei stopped and looked at them and smiled

"Nori Miyuki as your new Captain!" She finally said, she smiled greatly as she looked at the shock Miyuki and everyone clapped their hands.

"W-What? I- I'm the n-new captain?" she stuttered, as she point herself.

"Yes you are the new captain, Congratulations, Miyuki-chan." Rei said

"Congratulations, Miyuki!" Naoko and Keiko greeted and soon the other members followed.

"T-Thanks." She said as she smiled happily to Rei.

"Rei-san I'm going to do my best to be a great captain just like you!" Miyuki said determinedly

"I expect you that."

"Since you are the new captain we are also telling you guys who will be the vice captain! Congratulations to Arai Madoka! As your new vice captain! You two should work together to help the team. Understood?" Rei said

"Yes! We'll do our best!" they both said and looked at each other and smiled.

"Good. I guess this is goodbye." Rei said in a sad voice.

Everyone bowed their heads.

"But Rei-san…." Miyuki said

"We don't want you to go!" Madoka continued for her.

Rei just sighed and smiled to them,

"I know what you mean, I also don't want to go but I'm a senior and I'll be a high school freshman once school starts again in April." She said

They bowed their heads again and became silent,

"Don't worry… I'll try to visit you." Rei assured them. They raised their heads and their eyes filled with happiness.

"Rei-chan!" They said and some hugged her and cried.

"There, there… don't cry. I promise you I'll visit you and I'll be in watching everyone of you in the next tournaments." She said in a soft voice.

"Rei-chan do you know what you are saying? I thought you are going to back to America if your father don't change his mind." Keiko whispered to Rei.

"I know that… but I didn't say I'll be studying in America for sure." She whispered back.

"Oh yeah… I forgot."

"Now everyone stop crying! I got an idea! Why don't we have one last game? Seniors vs. Juniors and freshmen?" Naoko said happily.

"That's a good idea guys! So what do you think Rei-chan?" Keiko squealed

"A last game with everyone? Not a bad idea! What do you say… Captain?" Rei asked Miyuki and smiled to her.

"Hai! How about you everyone? Do you like it?" she asked

"We would love to!" With that everyone started to make warm ups.

"Since we are just 3 seniors here… we would like to borrow 1 junior and 1 freshman. Is it okay with you guys?" Keiko asked

"Yup! So who are you going to choose?" Madoka asked

"Hmm… Since Miyuki is the new team captain we would like to see how well she can do and also you Madoka so we would like to borrow… Sakura and Rika to be in our team." Naoko announced

"Rei-chan?" she looked at Rei and she replied by smiling to her she then looked at Sakura and Rika who nodded.

"It's settled then!" And after that everyone was ready. Two are the scorers and one was the referee and some are in the bench.

Rei and Miyuki were in the center ring and were ready for the jump ball and the others were in the restraining circle and were waiting for the jump ball. The referee was holding the ball and had the whistle in her lips. Rei and Miyuki smiled to each other.

"Let's see how well can you handle your own team, Miyuki-chan." Rei said kindly.

"I'll never let you down, Rei-san." She replied

"That's what I want to hear." Then the referee tossed the ball and in no time it reached the highest point and Rei tapped it and gave it to Keiko. And the game began.

(A.N. Sorry but I won't show how the game go. This chapter is already way too long. I know everyone of you is waiting what the ending of this chapter. ^_^)

As the girls play the boy's team was watching them and were also cheering. Cheering for Rei… who else? Except for Rukawa.

After 40 minutes of playing, the game had ended with 80- 75. The seniors had won. Rei scored 38 points in total and the remaining points to the other members. Keiko with 12 points, Naoko, Sakura and Rika each got 10 points. As for the other team they also did a great job. Miyuki got 18 points; the others got the remaining points. Everybody was tired except for Rei who don't have any sign of tiredness and haven't got any sweat at all.

"Nice game Miyuki! By the look you are showing you will be a great captain." Rei complemented her.

"T-Thanks." She replied between her breaths.

"Thanks to everyone! We'll never forget this last game of ours with you." Rei smiled and Keiko and Naoko nodded.

As for the boys they are all smiling and cheering for Rei. (A.N. Always Rei don't you think? ^_^)

"She really has great stamina." Ken said to his team.

"Yes, she really do and she's so great! Far better than someone I know." Tetsuya said and raised his voice at the last sentence. Ken and the others sweatdropped and Rukawa just glared at him coldly.

"Idiot!" With that the boy's team laughed.

~#~#~

It was a sunny day in Kanagawa Prefecture. And everybody was preparing for the BIG day. It has been 2 weeks and their finals are already finished and summer vacation had just started. And for the seniors they were waiting for this day… Graduation Day.

Everyone is preparing in his/her house for the big event. They were excited yet sad. They really enjoyed Junior High and know they were going to High School. But still, they still don't want to leave Tomigaoka for they have wonderful memories here. Everybody except for… Rukawa.

Rukawa woke up for the preparations. He actually don't want to join the ceremony but it's important and he's parents don't want to miss it. He would leave Tomigaoka soon.

'Soon… I'll be leaving Tomigaoka…' Rukawa thought as he stand up from his bed and then proceeded to the bathroom.

Yes! He wanted to get out of Tomigaoka and get ready for the long vacation and then High School. He have his reasons… and one of them is to get away and not to see HER face ever again. He just hope that she won't be going to Shohoku High. Though he knew that her grandfather is coaching there. He really doesn't care who the coach is… what matters to him is he can play basketball. But something is telling him that he will meet her again. Sooner or later.

"Damn it! Why is she still in my thoughts!?" Rukawa demanded angrily to no one.

"That Idiot!." With that he stopped the shower and then wrapped the towel into his waist and then came out of the bathroom. He then dressed to formal clothes which looks really hot on him and then wore the graduation clothes that was needed. He looked at the mirror to fix his hair then came out of the room to the living room where his parents are waiting.

"What took you so long?" his father asked as he saw his son came down from the stairs, Rukawa just looked at him and then sitted in the couch.

"You look handsome in those clothes Kaede." His mom said proudly and then smiled at him.

"Thanks." Rukawa murmured.

He then looked at his parents who were also wearing formal clothes for the graduation and they were ready. Midori looked at the clock and saw it was already 9:15.

"I think we should get going. We don't want to get late… now do we?" she said kindly and then stood up. The ceremony was to begin at 10:00 but she knew that by this time many students and parents are already there.

Rukawa and his father soon followed and walk out of the room into the garage without saying a word.

"Please have a good time!" Murasamo said kindly to them and then waved.

"We will!" Hokoshino replied as he started the engine of the car.

~#~#~

Rei was silently sitting in a couch on her grandparent's house. She was wearing the graduation clothes that the school provided. Underneath it was her formal clothes. Her hair is in the usual style, loose. She did have a light blush-on and have lip gloss. She was silently reading the paper that she was holding. It was the paper where her speech is.

"Rei, you've been reading that paper for the past 30 minutes you should stop now for you have already mastered EVERYTHING that was written in that." A masculine voice said. Rei looked up and saw Her father; Anzai Mori was standing in front of her and smiling kindly to her. She gave him one of her smiles,

"Dad!" she whined

"Oh, c'mon Rei, admit it you've been holding that paper for the past 30 minutes!" he repeated as he took a sit next to her.

Rei looked at her father and smiled. He was more handsome in those formal clothes than the civilian clothes he used to wear. True, her father was really handsome but when you dress him with such formality and everything he look more handsome than before. Rei knew her father was really very popular back in his time during High School or so without even asking. Just by the way you look at him, you could just admire him, even now in his early 30s.

"I'm just doing it so I won't be looking at the paper every now and then." Rei answered politely.

"I don't believe you. I know you have already mastered that when you finished writing it." He joked.

"Mom!" Rei called in a whine. Rei was sometimes immature in some things she do… especially when her father was the one to tease her.

"Mori… Stop teasing Rei… she'll gonna have a bad day if you keep doing that." A feminine voice said. They both looked at the voice and saw Rei's mother. She was also wearing formal clothes as some makeup. She really looks beautiful, just like Rei. She had the air of elegance and maturity. She has also long black hair and was put in a bun. Her height was average for a 30 year old and her body were… just like Rei's, perfect at every curve of the body and she also had the pale skin Rei has.

"Suzume, c'mon don't be such a kill joy." Her husband smiled at her.

"I'm not and I don't intend to be one. It's graduation day we should be happy for our daughter." She replied as she took a sit on the other side of Rei. Rei smiled at her that was rewarded by also one. They came back from Los Angeles to see Rei's graduation.

"Let me look at you…" she started as she studied her daughter's face. She smiled proudly and replied,

"You look beautiful, Rei." Rei just blushed and thanked her in a whisper.

"No need to do that… you really are." She said again as Rei blushed again.

They giggled and then followed by a Santa Clause one and another feminine one.

(A.N. You know I sometimes think that Mr. Anzai's laugh is just like Santa's don't you think so? ^_^)

"Oh grandma! Grandpa!" Rei called to them as she smiled.

"You look beautiful Rei, just like your mother and father." Mr. Anzai said with a smile.

"Thank you dad!" Mori replied proudly.

They laugh again and after the laugh, Mrs. Anzai said,

"I think we should get going the ceremony will begin in 30 minutes."

"Yeah, we don't want the valedictorian be late do we?" Suzume teased her daughter.

"Mom!"

They laugh again as they proceeded to their garage and then hopped into their cars and drove towards the school gym.

~#~#~

The school gym was crowded. Students, friends and parents are there. It was noisy and yet filled with happiness. The gym has the many chairs, which are properly aligned. It was where the graduates to be sitted. Keiko and her parents where already there, so is Naoko, Ken, Takeshi and Tetsuya. The only ones in the group missing are Rei and Rukawa.

"I'm so happy! I have finally graduated Junior High! Time is so fast!" Naoko squealed as the rest laugh.

"Yeah, Time is so fast… to fast to realize things go wrong." Ken said

"I agree… especially the incident that have occurred…" Tetsuya mused

"I really swear that I will never see Rukawa Kaede ever in High School!" Keiko hissed as she turned her hands into fists.

"Calm down Keiko-chan! Today is graduation day, we should be happy." Takeshi said nervously.

"He's right, we should remove our worries and celebrate." Naoko added.

"This will be the last day we will be all together… then we are all going into separate ways… do you… do you think we can still meet? I mean you two are going into different schools, just like the three of us…." Ken drifted off sadly.

"We know… but don't think like that! I know we can still meet but not everyday… We can still keep in touch with each other!" Keiko cheered

"You're right… but how about Kaede and Rei-chan? Kaede is going to Shohoku High and Rei… well we're not sure if she's staying here in Japan or not…" Tetsuya said sorrowfully

"Well we don't care were Rukawa is going in High School… but Rei-chan…. I know she'll do her best to persuade her father to let her stay here!" Naoko said determinedly. She believes in Rei and she knows that her friend is really doing her best.

"When will you stop hating Kaede? If Rei-chan finds out that you still hate him… I'm sure she'll be depressed. Let's just pray that her father agrees to her." Takeshi replied.

"We might forgive him…. Someday… when he finally realizes her mistake or he came back to Rei." Naoko answered. They sighed and change the subject.

"Wait! Today's graduation day and Rei-chan's the valedictorian… will Rei-chan's parents be here?" Ken suddenly asked

"When we asked her about it she said yes." Naoko said

"Really!? I can't wait to meet them!" Takeshi said cheerfully.

"Also Kaede's parents." Tetsuya added.

"Do you think Rei-chan's father will be mad at Rukawa when he sees his face?" Keiko asked

"Maybe…" Takeshi answered.

"We'll see." All of them nodded and thought of what will happen.

"Have you seen Rei-chan's parents?" Takeshi questioned

"Well we have seen them a few times and…God! Rei-chan's mother is so beautiful and Rei-chan's father!!! He's so handsome!" Keiko shouted happily with dreamy eyes. The others sweatdropped.

"Er… Okay. No wonder she looks really pretty." Ken said as he laugh nervously.

"How about you? Have you seen Rukawa's parents?" Naoko asked politely but when she said Rukawa's name she sounds like she was going to kill someone in the way she used her voice.

"Chill Naoko-chan! Hell no! But I'm sure they'll be here together with Kaede." After that they all talked as they wait for the two.

~#~#~

A black Mercedes Benz and a green car stopped in near the school together with a blue convertible. And all the passengers came out of the cars. Rei looked at the environment and smiled. Yep many people are already there. You can just see it… cars, parked nearly everywhere and she knew there was also some inside. She took a deep breath and looked at the blue car that was parked near theirs. She let a small gasped came from her lips and realize whom the owner of the car.

There, standing was Rukawa and his parents. She doesn't have the nerve to show them her face. She knew his parents already know that Rukawa have broken up with her. She have thought that they also hated her. Well that's her opinion and not theirs. She immediately turned her back form them and looked at her parents and grandparents who were coming out from the car as well.

'What should I do??? I can't face them!' Rei shouted mentally. She shut her eyes tightly but them opened when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you alright, honey?" Rei looked to the direction and saw her mother, worried about her.

"Y-Yes…" she replied back but not surely.

"You should not lie to your mother Rei." Her father said in a firm voice.

"I'm sorry…" she apologized.

"It's okay. Is there something wrong?" Rei slowly looked at her back and saw Rukawa and his parents chatting as they walk.

"I can't face them!" she replied politely and then run towards the gym, leaving her parents and grand parents slightly confused.

"What do she mean she can't face them?" Mori asked particularly to no one.

"I don't know… she look scared." Suzume answered. Just then Mr. Anzai looked at the place where Rei was looking at and found Rukawa and two people that he assumed his parents. He laughed slightly and then greeted,

"Hello! Rukawa-kun." He said slowly.

Rukawa looked at the direction of the voice and saw 4 familiar faces. He recognize all of them, they were Rei's grand parents and parents. He slowly scanned the place to find Rei but to his disappointment he found none.

'What! Why am I looking for her!? I have nothing to do with her anymore!' Rukawa mentally shouted.

'I am not involve with her so why should I care! Today's the last day I should be seeing her and I should be happy!'

"Hello! Sir." He replied as he looked to the other 3 and nodded to them, which was rewarded by also one.

Mori raised an eyebrow when he realized who he was. He was Rukawa Kaede, her daughter's boyfriend… I mean EX- boyfriend. When he have found out that he had broken up with her daughter he was really in rage. But he had accepted it, but not totally. He knew the game of love. It consists of being hurt and being happy. Either you end up happy or hurt. Those two are the only choices in there and her daughter had ended up being hurt. He loves his daughter so much even he is sometimes strict with her training. He wants her daughter to be happy but in able to do so he must let his daughter have her way but also she must be guided. He has decided to let her stay here and let her study to a school she wants. He will be telling her the good news after the graduation.

"It's been a while, isn't it?" he said to Rukawa who nodded slightly.

"Care to introduce them to us Kaede?" Rukawa looked at his father and nodded.

"Mom, Dad… meet Rei's parents, Anzai Mori and Anzai Suzume, also her grand parents, Mr. Anzai and Mrs. Anzai." He introduced and vice versa. After that Rukawa's parent's rose and eyebrow and so does Rei's.

"S-Suzume is that you?" Rukawa's father asked nervously.

Suzume smiled and said, "Yep it's me! Who do you expect? Britney Spears?"

Rukawa's father returned her smiled and walk towards her.

"It's been a while." He said

"Yes it is… and you haven't change a bit! Still handsome as usual. I should have known that you are Rukawa's father."

"Yes, same goes to you but you look far more beautiful and mature than the last time I saw you." He said. He then laughed a bit

"Well, well what do you know, It's Mizuhara Midori… should I saw Rukawa Midori?" Mori teased as he smirked when he saw Midori blushed.

"Stop that! Mori!" She said, Rukawa just rose an eyebrow and said,

"Who know each other?"

"Of course! We've been classmates and great friends since Junior High!" his mother replied, and Rukawa just nodded.

'Great! Just great! My parents and hers know each other!' Rukawa said.

"Hello, Mr. Anzai, Mrs. Anzai… it's been a while isn't it?" Hokoshino said

"Yes… How are you two?" Mr. Anzai asked.

"We're fine… how about you?" Midori answered.

"Healthy as ever." Mrs. Anzai said with a smile.

Midori scanned the place to search for Rei but she didn't find her.

"Huh? Where's Rei-chan?" she asked

"Well she was here a minute ago and then when we asked her if she's alright she shouted that she can't face them. I don't know whom she is talking about but after that she ran into the direction of the gym… I think." Mori answered.

"Oh… Why don't we go there ourselves? After all the graduation will be held there." Midori answered and started to walk, as did everybody else.

~#~#~

Rei stopped running when she was near the gym. She looked at the direction she came from and thinks for a moment.

'What am I going to do now? Kaede's parents are hear… I can't face them! Specially now! I'm going to go in front of the people and they'll be seeing me!' she panicked as she thinks of a solution to her problem. She started to walk towards the door as the students congratulate her. She scanned the place and saw it was crowded.

"How on earth am I going to handle this?" she whispered to herself.

"We know you can! This place is nothing compare to the stadium when we play." A voice said from behind. Rei was startled then she looked at the direction of the voice. She smiled when she saw who it was.

"Keiko-chan! You scared me!" she said with a smiled.

"Really now. I never thought you would be scared!" Ken teased.

"Everybody gets scared in a way or so." Rei defended as she blushed. The others just laughed.

"So Rei-chan how come you're all alone? I thought your parents and grandparents are coming." Naoko asked as they walk towards their tables.

"Yeah, we're wondering… they won't be coming?" Takeshi asked, disappointment was in his voice.

"Iie. They're with me. I just went ahead." She said sadly.

Keiko and the others looked at each other then to Rei wondering why Rei became sad.

"IS there something the matter Rei-chan?" Tetsuya asked worriedly.

Rei just shrugged and remain quite.

"C'mon tell us… we might be able to help you." Keiko assured her as she put a hand in Rei's shoulder. Rei sighed in defeat,

'She might be right…'

"I can't face them." She told

"What? You can't face them? Who?" Naoko asked wondering why her friend looks so scared and sad.

"Kae- Rukawa's parents are here… I- I can't show my face to them!" she said in a shivering voice.

The others looked at her and then rose their eyebrows in disbelief.

"W-Why are you scared at them?" Keiko asked, she knew the answer for it but she want to confirm if is it.

'Darn! The jerk is always causing Rei-chan trouble! If his parents are mad at her so be it! It will be war! Rukawa! We'll have our revenge sooner or later!' Keiko thought angrily. Right now she wants to punch someone but she remember what today is so she just remove it in her thought.

"You know the reason very well for that! I… I… I che… cheat… I cheated him." She chocked the last words.

Her friends gasped to what she had said. She cheated him! They knew it wasn't true but it actually came from Rei's mouth and they knew just in the sound of her voice she was like going to cry any minute now.

'The jerk! How could he really say that! Rei-chan is not a cheater! She's the most honest person I ever knew! How come she is saying it!' Naoko shouted. Just like the others they were really boiling in anger.

"Ne, Rei-chan you can't be serious about that! You know you're not like that! And besides how can you say Kaede's parents are angry with you… they should be angry to their son not to you." Ken said hope filling his voice.

Rei just nodded and smiled slightly to him, which was rewarded with a blush.

"Let's hope they're not mad at me."

After that, they stopped this topic and moved to another, which was about the graduation.

"So Rei-chan can you recite the speech that you will be saying in the ceremony!?" Tetsuya said happily.

Rei smiled happily at him and said,

"Sorry, but I can't do that! It will be a surprise!"

"Mou! Tell us! Please!" Takeshi pleaded.

"Really! I can't it's a surprise."

"Fine! We won't force you to tell us if you don't want!" Ken said and he pretended to look hurt. Rei sighed in defeat. Ken and the others looked at each other and smirk. They really knew how to let Rei give up on such things.

"Okay guys, I'm going to tell you… but don't blame me it's quite boring." She looked at to them who were nodding.

She took a deep breath and she smiled,

"Good morning fellow students, teachers, friends and relatives. Welcome to the graduation of batch '02. (A.N. I'm up to date. So don't expect me to make this fic an oldie.) First of all before I start I would like to thank for everyone who came and helped us in this important event. And I would like to congratulate my fellow students who were successful in Junior High……………" she said

"………………… Before I end my speech I would like to again congratulate everyone for graduating Junior High. And I wish everyone good luck in High School. Always remember the saying, No matter what happens, don't give up!" she finished. And she looked at her friends who were smiling proudly at her and they clapped.

"Excellent speech Rei-chan!" Keiko and Naoko said in unison.

"T-Thanks!"

"It's great Rei-chan! You made the speech by yourself right?" Ken asked.

"Y-Yes."

"Good job!" They all said and laughed as they saw Rei blushed.

They stopped laughing when they saw 8 people behind Rei and one of them is Rukawa. All of them blushed when they saw them. 6 of them all have black hair, 2 of them have white, which they assumed Rei's grandparents. The 2 of the men have short black hairs, blue eyes and both are tall. All are extremely handsome. And the two women also have black hairs. One of them have her hair loose and it was shoulder length and eyes like the emerald. She was indeed a beauty. However, the other one was more beautiful than the other. She have her hair in a bun, eyes as the midnight sky. Both have the air of maturity and elegance. (A.N. Sorry if I lack description) One of them put his hands into Rei's shoulder, a smirk on his face.

"Rei, if I were you I should stop blushing like that. People might think your sick or something." He has said. Rei was startled and looked at her back to see her father, mother, grandparents, Rukawa and… his mother and father. Rei eyes widened in horror as she saw them.

"O-Otou-san." Ken and the other 2 open their mouths in disbelief. So this man is her father. What a handsome man he is. Ken and the others thought.

"Why did you ran off like that?" he have asked.

"Gomen."

"It's okay honey, but you should not do that again okay?" her mom said. Ken and the others blushed when she spoke. Her voice was like music in your ears. Soft and gentle like Rei's.

"I won't do that again, mom." Rei smiled. Ken and the others blushed when Rei said mom.

'I can't believe this was Rei-chan's mom! God she's so gorgeous! If she's only born the same time we were I won't let her get away! She's like Rei! One in a million. Too bad she's already married to a handsome man and have a daughter… Rei-chan.' Ken thought.

"It's been a while, isn't it Rei-chan?" Midori spoke and smiled to Rei. How she missed this girl. She knew Rukawa already broke up with her and believed that her son mad a stupid and big mistake. How could her son let her go like that? And it saddened her. She really liked the girl, especially when she found it out that it was Suzume and Mori's daughter.

Rei was shock to what she have heard. She expect something like a glare from her or anything but it never happened. Instead she gave her a warm smile.

"H-Hai! It's been a while." She returned her smile with one of her own.

"How are you my dear?" Hokoshino asked Rei. He also missed this girl. She's so kind and thoughtful in every way there is.

"I- I'm fine, sir. How about you?"

"We're also fine. And how many times do we have to tell you not to call us in formal, just Uncle and Aunt is fine. Okay?" He replied

"Hai!" she smiled greatly at them. They were not mad at her and that's all that matters.

"By the way, congratulations for being the valedictorian." Midori said.

"Thanks!"

"Your welcome. Kaede! Why haven't you spoken a word since we came here? Don't you want to introduce us to your friends?" she spoke again. Rukawa just rolled his eyes and then did what his mother told him to do.

Ken and the others looked at each other and smirked at Rukawa's manners.

"Mom, Dad… met my friends… Ken, Tetsuya and Takeshi. Ken, Tetsuya and Takeshi meet my mother, Midori and father Hokoshino." He said in his cool voice. Keiko and Naoko rosed their eyebrows when he failed to say their names. They wanted to hit him anything that came contact with their hands but then again…

Rukawa's parents looked at each other and to Rukawa. They both raised their eyebrows to what Rukawa have said. He only said his boy friends how about the girls?

"Kaede! I said introduce us to your FRIENDS. Not just the guys." His mother said in a firm voice. Rukawa looked at his mother and sighed again.

'Great! Just great!'

He then again introduces them, this time with Keiko and Naoko. They both smirk how his mother can manipulate Rukawa's attitude. After that Rei introduce her family to them. And after the introductions, the graduation started. After the ceremony has finished the food was being served. And also the students were like going back and forth for they are letting their friends signed their yearbooks.

Many guys and girls came to Rei to let her sign his/her yearbook, which she gladly accepted. Same goes with Rukawa accept that it was most females.

"Ken-kun, can I talk to you for a minute?" Rei asked politely, Ken looked confused and nodded. They both stood up and Rei carried her yearbook with her. The others looked at Rei and followed their eyes to them.

When they were a bit far from them Ken spoke,

"What do you want to talk about Rei-chan?" he asked

"I'll tell you after I let my teammate in volleyball sign my year book, is that okay?

"Sure." He looked strangely at Rei but then smiled. He was wondering what she wants to talk about. After she let her teammate in volleyball signed hers she smiled at Ken.

"Sorry if I took long."

"It's okay."

"So can you answer my question?"

"I want to talk to you because… I want you to do a favor for me… is it okay?" she said nervously

"Sure, what is it?"

There was a silence for a moment and Rei spoke.

"Could you……… could you let Kae- Rukawa sign my yearbook?"

"What?" Ken had his eyes widened when Rei said it. He could not believe it. After all the things he have done to her, she still want to sign her yearbook. HE then just sighed and smiled at her.

'Rei would be Rei.'

"Sure." He said, he doesn't need to ask why him to do it for her knew the answer would be.

"Thanks! But aren't you going to ask me how? Or why?"

"I don't need to. We both knew what would happen if you were the one to ask him. I'll handle everything just go back to your sit. But can I let someone to write on your yearbook?" he asked

"Sure. Thanks again."

"Your welcome." With that Rei left Ken and do his work.

When Rei came back Keiko asked Rei what she talked to Ken she just said that someone likes Ken. After a few minutes Ken walked to them and to Rukawa.

"Hey, Kaede! There's a girl who's name would be unknown wants to let you sign her yearbook… let just say this girl is one of your huge fans." Ken said, Rukawa looked at him and then took the yearbook and ballpen and scanned the yearbook for his picture. When he found it he wrote a message after writing it he gave it back to Ken. Ken then looked at the note it have a small drawing of a chibi Rukawa holding a basketball under his signature and it reads,

Hey! Thanks for letting me sign your yearbook! I really appreciate it! Good luck in High School!

Truly yours,

Rukawa Kaede

He then looked at Rukawa and smirked a little.

"Kaede, this is the same message you write in every yearbook. Why not add some more? Like Hey! I heard you like me! I also like you! Or something like that." He said, the others looked at him and sweatdropped.

"Doaho."

"I'm just kidding!"

"Give me that." Rukawa said and Ken gave it to Rukawa a bit confused. He then wrote something below the note. He then gave it to Ken and said,

"There is that enough?"

Ken raised his eyebrow and smile.

"Yeah, it is. She'll be happy when she reads it." With that he left carrying Rei's yearbook.

'Yeah, right! I just hope Rei-chan won't be bursting with tears when she reads what he wrote!' he winced at the thought. He still hasn't gotten over with Rei yet. He is still in love with her. He knew his friends feel the same. And they were really angry with Rukawa.

As he walk to the direction where he came from he stopped when he saw a very familiar face and walked towards him. He opened the yearbook and scanned for his name.

"Hey! Tanaka-san!" Ken greeted happily.

"Oh! Hi! Sasaoka-san!" A guy his age greeted. He has short blond hair and has gorgeous cerulean blue eyes. He was handsome. He was one of the most popular guys in school, beside Rukawa, him and their friends.

"Guess whose yearbook I'm carrying?" he smirk as he said those lines. Tanaka Kazuma, class 3-4. Captain of the soccer team, one of the most popular guys in school, single and has a major crush on Rei.

Tanaka became puzzled and shook his head.

"Whose?"

"C'mon! Guess! Here's a clue, you know HER."

"But I know a lot of girls! C'mon, tell me?" he asked

Ken just smirked,

"Another clue, she's from class 3-1 the same class I am." He again smirked as he looked at Tanaka who thought for a moment. He's smirked became bigger when he saw Tanaka blushed all deep shades of red.

"C-could that be Anzai-san's"

"Yep!"

"How come you're carrying it?" he asked a bit suspicious

"Relax! I didn't take it secretly. I have asked permission. I said that I would be letting SOMEONE sigh in her yearbook." He smirked again when he saw him blushed again.

"Here you go! Take your time." He said as he gave the yearbook to Tanaka who accepted it happily. Tanaka wrote a long message to Rei. When he finished it he read it to make sure it was okay. He smiled when he's done.

"Here, I'm finished." He said as he gave Ken the yearbook.

"Thanks! Rei-chan would be happy to read what you have written… I guess." He smiled as he began to leave. But Tanaka stopped him.

"Sasaoka, please stop. Can you… can you let me come with you?" he asked nervously.

"Huh? Why?" he suddenly asked

"I- I want to let Anzai-san sign my yearbook too…" he blushed when he said that.

Ken smirked and the nodded.

"Okay, But we need to stop to someone and let him sign Rei-chan's yearbook." He started to walk again and Tanaka followed.

"I'll be back guys!" he said to his friends as he grabbed his yearbook.

"You mean there's one more person you are letting to sign Anzai-san's yearbook? Is it really okay?"

"Yeah. She's kind enough to let me handle her yearbook. Besides I don't want him to be suspicious." He replied calmly as they walk towards a group of chatting guys.

"Him? Who?"

"Someone who hates Rei-chan… due to a stupid reason." Tanaka stopped in his tracks and looked at Ken in disbelief. He couldn't believe that there is someone who hates Rei.

"What!? Someone hates Anzai-san!? Who is the jerk!?" he hissed, Ken eyed him and smirked to his antics. Keiko and Naoko would really like him more. He called Rukawa a jerk just like Keiko and Naoko. He, Tetsuya and Takeshi haven't said it yet aloud but deep in side of them they call Rukawa an Idiot Jerk.

"Can't tell you that. It's a secret. Just promise me you won't tell it to other people."

"Okay."

"So tell me what school are you going?"

"I'm going to Shohoku High, you?" Ken stopped when he heard the name.

"I'm going to Fuyu High. Shohoku? Why there?" he started to walk again searching for the person he was looking for.

"You're not really into soccer? Are you? It's soccer team is the best in Kanagawa Prefecture. The coach of the team invited me there. And I accepted. Why? You know someone who goes there?"

"Oh. Yeah… Kaede is going there… and don't you know?" he looked at Tanaka and smirked,

"Rei-chan's grandfather is the coach of the basketball team there." Tanaka again blushed in ten shades of red.

"You're not kidding are you?"

"Nope." He stopped when he saw the person. Again he asked him to sign the yearbook after that he said thanks and then came to their table. He smiled when he saw it. Rei and the others where chatting happily except for Rukawa, who was scanning his yearbook quietly. He then looked at Tanaka,

"Well we're near them. Don't be shy okay?" he smiled when Tanaka sighed deeply and smiled at him. Ken and he started to walk there.

"Hey, guys! I'm back! Sorry if I took long! Too crowded." He explained as he took his sit next to Kaede.

"Oh! Here you go Rei-chan! I already have finished my tasked of borrowing your yearbook and letting the other students sign it." He said as he winked at her. She smiled greatly at him.

"Thanks!"

"NO problem! Oh by the way! Tanaka-san is here, he came with me because he wants you to sign his yearbook." He said as he smirked at him.

Keiko and the others looked at each other and grinned. They also knew he got a big crush on Rei. They looked at Rei who was looking at Tanaka and she was smiling warmly at him.

"C-Congratulations Anzai-san for being the valedictorian! Um… I followed Ken because I- I want you to sign my- my yearbook… if that okay with you." He said nervously a slight blush was tinted in his cheeks.

"S-sure!" she said as she took the yearbook and scanned for her picture. She pulled her pen and started to write. During this time Tanaka was looking at Rei intently and was still blushing. When she was about to finish she stopped and looked at him,

"Is there something on my face?" she said embarrassedly

"N-No none at all!" he replied back and looked away. He heard some giggles. He then looked at them and sighed.

"Sorry about that! Hey since you're here why not sign our yearbooks too?" Naoko said.

"Sure!" After they finished Tanaka bid goodbye to them. They chatted again, and was cut off by Rei's father.

"Can I take a sit with you guys?"

"Sure, Mr. Anzai." Keiko said as he took a sit near Rei.

"Mori, My name is Mori, call me Mori. Okay?" he said firmly as he smiled at them.

"Okay, Mori-san." Naoko replied.

"Father, what can we do for you?" Rei asked politely

"Nothing much, just want to tell you guys the good news."

"Good news? What is it sir?" Ken asked

"Did Rei ever told you that I'm deciding if she's going back to America or not?"

Keiko and the others looked at each other and then to Rei's father and nodded. Meanwhile, Rukawa stopped looking at the pictures in the yearbook and looked at Rei's father. He never knew Rei was moving back to America, no one told him… except for the dream he had.

"I see… Well I finally made my decision." He then looked at Rei who was listening intently at him.

"MY decision is that… she's staying here and let her study to a school she want." He smiled as he said it. Rei's eyes brightened and hugged her father.

"Thank you father! This means a lot to me!"

"Anything to make you happy dear."

"Thanks! Sir! We'll be seeing each other after all! I'm glad!" Keiko and Naoko said.

"Your welcome!"

With that Rukawa continued what he was doing. He don't know if he should be happy or sad to it, he just shook off the feeling.

~#~#~

After a few more hours, the principal made a final speech and congratulating everyone who graduated.

"……… and also don't forget to get your gifts from your adviser and after that you can leave. Again we would truly miss you and I hope you do well in High school! Thank you!" after that the students came to their advisers and took their gifts and bid goodbye.

When Rei and the others gotten their gifts, her father called her and said that she go to the car, same goes with Keiko and Naoko. They agreed but before that, they met in a tree near the school grounds.

"So… this is it…." Keiko started her voice is sad and low.

"Yes…." Naoko replied her head bowed.

"Time's so fast… it's like we have just met yesterday." Rei answered her voice a little shaky.

"I agree…… with you Rei-chan."

"Me too… but that doesn't mean we won't be seeing each other again." Naoko assured with a sad smile.

"Yeah, we'll be seeing each other again…. In the Inter-High." Keiko smiled at the thought. She knew whatever school Rei will go, it will definitely make it to the Inter-High.

"Yes…. I'll help my team to make it!" Rei said in her determined voice.

"We're looking forward to it! By the way have you decided which school are you going to enroll?" Keiko asked

"Not yet, it will be either Shoyo or Shohoku High."

"Oh… but that doesn't matter. We'll just know it when the Inter High is being held."

"Yes. I hate to say it but my mom is calling me…." Naoko said and the two nodded.

"Keep in touch?" Rei asked

"Always!" With that they hugged each other and bid their last goodbyes.

"I'll miss you guys!" Rei called out to them.

"Me too!" The two both said in unison. After they left Rei was left there and smiled,

"I'll miss you guys… good luck in High School." She said and leave towards their car.

Unknown to her Keiko and Naoko were both thinking the same except they also have this on their minds,

"Rei-chan… I hope you find that special someone in High School so we can have revenge on Rukawa Kaede."

~#~#~#

Rei collapsed in her bed. It was a tiring, happy yet sad day. Bidding farewell to her friends was really sad. She hated farewells. But she knew they won't be gone forever. They will still be keeping in touch to each other and that what matters. She walked towards her desk and grabbed her yearbook she then returned to the bed. She haven't read anything their yet… because she want it to be a surprise. Before she opened it, she came contact with a picture of her and Rukawa on the far side of her lamp. Her eyes saddened. She haven't made a proper farewell to him but she did manage to say goodbye to him while he was sleeping.

"Kaede…. I'm going to miss you…. Good luck in High School." She said as she opened the yearbook. She started to read all the wonderful messages that was written in it. She skipped the page that has the message of Rukawa and her friends. She want it to be a finale.

After an hour of reading she yawn, she then looked at the clock and saw it was 10:30. She then read the messages she had skipped earlier. She first read Ken's, then Takeshi's, Tetsuya's, Naoko's then Keiko's, everything that was written was wonderful yet sad. She was silently crying. How she wished that they would be going to the same High School she is so she won't be lonely. She sighed again and turned to the page where Rukawa's name is. She smiled sadly when she saw his picture.

He really look handsome on the yearbook. The only thing that was missing was his smile. She haven't seen him smile ever since that day. How she missed it, but then again she remember what her position in his life was. She then read the short message he wrote.

Hey! Thanks for letting me sign your yearbook! I really appreciate it! Good luck in High School!

Truly yours,

Rukawa Kaede

She smiled sadly at the simple message. But it was enough for her.

"So he hasn't lost his friendliness and kindness…" she said to herself she was about to close it when she saw an additional note. It reads,

P.S. Don't worry you'll find your special someone in High School. Have faith!

She trembled when she read it. Her finding her special someone in High School? Could that be possible if her special someone was already been found, in Junior High. Rei bursted crying at the thought. How could Rukawa tell something like that? She thought. But then again she remembered Rukawa thought it wasn't her yearbook but to someone else. She just cried and look at his picture. "I love you, Kaede." She said before she closed her eyes for a good night sleep.

~#~#~

Rukawa laid on his bed comfortably he was very tired. It was a long day after all. Even though he haven't move around that much. He was again looking at his yearbook. It was also have messages. But only from the guys. He didn't asked for the girls to sign in. He knew if he do… his yearbook might me already in half right now and besides he wasn't interested. He knew they'll only write silly things like, your very handsome, can you be my date? Or something like that.

He then absently thought to what Rei would write is he let her sign in. Probably inspirations, Kind words. He then slapped himself when he realize what he was thinking.

"I should be happy that this is the last day that I'll be able to see her face! And I shouldn't be thinking about her!"

"I need to get her out of my mind! Or else she'll be like a living ghost inside me."

"That Doaho!" he shouted and he closed his eyes for sleep.

"I'm gonna miss you Rei-chan… I love you." he murmured absently in his sleep.

To be continued…………

Author's notes:

There you go! The second part of Chapter 4! It's quite long isn't it!? I tried to finish it in an early date. I'm gonna start making Chapter 5 soon… but not now…. I'm too tired. We just have our examinations and I feel like my brain is popping out. I'm really tired. I just hope you enjoy this chapter!

Expect Chapter5 by the end of the month or in the next month. I don't know when I will finish it. But I'll e-mail you people if I updated it!

Sorry for the misspellings if there is…. I read this and found none…. I hope there isn't one. Also I would like to say sorry if I lack description to my characters and sorry if I always brag about how handsome or pretty he/she was… it's just well the anime Slam Dunk got a lot of handsome guys don't you think so? I just adopted it to fit in this fic.

Enough of my silly talk! Please REVIEW and tell me what you think! I'll be waiting for it!

~Princess Ren