I'm not a Cheater
By: Princess Ren
Author's notes: Hey guys!!! Chapter 12 is finally here! I hope you enjoy this just like the rest of my chapters! Anyways I would like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter! Enjoy the chapter and leave a review after reading it okay!?
Same Disclaimer applied.
Chapter 12
"Okay, that's enough for today! Assemble!" Akagi commanded at his teammates, and immediately everyone stopped and came to him obediently.
"I can see that all of you are working very hard, but it's not enough to beat Ryonan! We need to boost our skills… especially our defense since it's the most important factor to win the game! We'll start with that tomorrow and I expect all of you to be in full strength, the game with Ryonan is only one week away. That's all for now, go home and rest! Good bye!" Akagi said in a matter-of-fact voice and nodded in satisfaction when he heard them reply with a loud "Hai". He then walked towards Ayako, who stood up abruptly,
"I'll trust the gym to you Ayako," he said slowly then realizing that the girl from earlier was still here. He nodded to her and she quickly stood and gave a polite bow. He smiled at her before returning to Ayako whispering,
"Why is she still here?" Ayako just smiled and whispered back,
"She has some business with me, and don't worry you'll see her often here if she has some spare time from her two clubs." She replied back and Akagi gave one last glance at the girl who was having a far-off expression in her pale face.
"Oh, I see… Sakuragi come here!" Akagi shouted to the red hair who was having a staring contest with Rukawa. The two looked at their captain,
"What is it now Gori!?" Sakuragi asked, annoyed by the disturbance. If he didn't call he was sure he had punched Rukawa right straight on the face.
A vein appeared to Akagi's right forehead in irritation, "Just come here!" he shouted through clenched teeth.
"Huh? Alright, alright! You don't need to shout." He replied calmly while walking towards them but giving Rukawa one last annoying glance before turning to them.
"What is it you want?" he asked again with nuisance, but was only greeted by a punch on the head.
"Ouch! What did you do that for Gori!?" he held his head in pain while glaring at him, not noticing that they had a 'visitor'.
"You should be polite to your elders! Aren't you embarrassed of your self?" he retorted while looking at him with a disapproving look.
Sakuragi looked around the gym and saw a pretty girl beside Ayako smiling warmly at him, he returned his gaze to Akagi with a bored expression. "Oh I can see that you called to introduce me but I'm not interested in her. You know my heart is already set on someone else… If you-" before he can continue he was again greeted by endless punches in the head.
"Who told you that I would introduce you to her!? Don't think of such stupid things you idiot! I called you for something else!" he exclaimed angrily at him while punching Sakuragi non-stop.
"Aren't you going to stop them, Ayako-chan?" Rei whispered worriedly to Ayako.
Ayako just shook her head and reply, "There's no need, it's always like this." Rei stared to Ayako in disbelief.
"Don't worry he'll be okay." She added, reassuring Rei with a smile. With that Akagi had stopped punching Sakuragi and said,
"I called to tell you that you wouldn't be staying for your daily practice today, since Ayako had some business with-" Akagi drifted-off not knowing the girl's name.
"Rei, her name is Rei, Akagi-sempai." Ayako said
"Yes, thank you. As I was saying, you can go home early today Sakuragi, no more basics today for you." With that, he nodded to Ayako and to Rei and walked towards the door, leaving Sakuragi, Ayako, Rei, and Rukawa in the gym in silence.
"O-k, since Akagi-sempai had gone home, it just the 4 of us… You heard him Hanamichi, you can go home right now! No more basics for today!" Ayako exclaimed while patting Sakuragi's back.
"Nyahaha! Is Gori going soft?" he asked while having a foolish expression in his face.
"Maybe! Now go home!" she answered and pushed Sakuragi out of the door.
"Now it's only the three of us…" Ayako said darkly, while eying the two occupants slyly.
Upon hearing that, Rukawa and Rei shifted uncomfortably from their position before glancing at each other with unreadable expressions. They continue to stare at each other for minutes until Rei broke the contact.
After Rei broke her gaze from Rukawa, he couldn't stop himself from scowling. His heart slowly breaking to pieces, seeing her in this state. He had seen it, the longing, and the utter despair in her amethyst eyes. All because of him! His foolishness. 'It's not my fault, if she's suffering.' He thought hauntingly. 'It's her fault not mine.' He kept convincing himself, ignoring the deep pain in his heart.
'Damn! Why am I still feeling this way!?' he thought angrily, avoiding eye contact with her and settled his gaze to Ayako who was looking at him, rather to them with that sly look on her face.
'Why is she staring like that?' he had asked, while arching his eyebrows in confusion.
'Could she know we broke up?' he asked himself again, this time sparing a glance to Rei who was frowning.
'Why is she frowning? Is it because of Ayako?' Rukawa mentally slap himself at that thought. Why was he still worried about her!? He put all thoughts aside and focused on to what was happening around him.
Rei's heart skipped a bit when Rukawa looked at her with those kind of eyes. He wasn't glaring at her, like he always does when he sees her, and she felt somewhat happy. However, she didn't know what his eyes held this time. It was mixed with different kinds of emotions, from confusion to anger and many more she didn't know. She sighed, remembering Ayako's earlier statement. What does she mean by it's only the three of them? She thought for a moment, her eyes slightly widen and a frown appeared on her lips when she realized what Ayako meant by that.
'Is she thinking she'll know all the answers by confronting the two of us? One of us can explain what had happen without the other. And I know Kaede would never want to discuss this topic, then that leaves all the answering to me. Why is it it's always me?' she thought bitterly while looking at Ayako.
Ayako in the meantime was looking at the two with that sly expression on her face. They were alone at last. She knew she could have answers by just asking Rei, but the thought of the two together answering her questions is much better. If the two did broke-up, then maybe she can able to get them together again. She looked at the two again and saw them stared to each other with unreadable expressions. She was really anxious at the revelation those two will be revealing. Well, she knew Rei is an open person and she knew she got no problem getting answers from her. But Rukawa, he's a very stubborn one and she knew that he's not willing to share anything about the matter so she came up of a plan that will let Rukawa stay. Luckily, Akagi cancelled Sakuragi's daily basic training and Rukawa had stayed for practice so she got that plan finish with no problem. Her only problem left was how long she can keep Rukawa to stay. Her line of thoughts disappear when Rei spoke,
"Ayako-san? Are we going now?" she asked quietly, looking at Ayako with a beseeching expression.
Ayako blinked before walking towards the door, she felt Rukawa and Rei stare at her sudden movement. "We're not going anywhere Rei-chan… not until I get full answers from you two. And don't you dare leave this place Rukawa!" she looked at Rukawa significantly while closing the door and leaned to it so neither of them can escape. Of course, the other doors are all closed so the only available door is the one she is leaning right now. Rukawa raised an eyebrow at Ayako and a scowl on his face when he realized what she meant by that. Besides, how can he escape if she has locked the only escape route he had? (A/N All the doors are lock from the outside. ^_^) Rei wore the same expression as Rukawa not liking where things are going. She knew Rukawa is not interested on sharing the story neither did she, but she's doing this so the questioning will be stopped, she hoped.
"Okay you two tell me, did you two broke-up?" she said in a persuasive way.
Upon hearing the question, Rukawa immediately snorted which earned him a rosed eyebrow from Ayako and a frown from Rei. He avoided their gazes and looked at another direction.
"Well?" she asked impatiently and looked at Rukawa's direction then to Rei who refused to look at her. "Either of you speak or we'll be like this the whole afternoon or rather whole evening." She said while glancing at the clock near the stage. It reads: 6:05.
She sighed; this would be harder than she thought. "Did you two broke-up?" she asked again, this time softly and to her surprised the two slowly nodded. Both had solemn expressions.
"Just as I thought." She muttered softly. She took a deep breath before asking again,
"So who did?" she looked at them again and she received a frown from Rukawa and a sad look from Rei. She sighed again.
"I know this is hard for you two, but can you just tell me? I might be able to help you two to get back-"
"There's nothing you can do! It's over for the both of us! Nothing will change that! I'll never go back to her!" Rukawa snapped, interrupting Ayako. And to her dismay, she did get her answer but not in the way she wanted. So, Rukawa was the one but why?
"Why?" she asked in disbelief, she looked at Rei who was rather silent and biting her lower lip and she saw her closed her teary eyes painfully.
Rei felt herself crying but she wouldn't allow those damn tears to fall. She wouldn't, she knew crying will get her to nowhere so she just closed her eyes and took a deep breathe, all while ignoring the big lump on her throat. Just hearing the last sentence made her heart shatter, she knew Rukawa hated her for the crime that she didn't commit. It really hurt her when he said those sentences without any regret or emotion. But there's nothing she can do, just as he said. He won't go back to her even if she begged. She then heard Rukawa,
"Why?" he asked, while giving a bitter laugh.
"She cheated me." He replied as his eyes narrowed at Rei disgustingly.
Ayako just stood there, shocked at Rukawa's answer. Rei cheated him? Why on earth would she do that to him? It can't be. That must not be the reason… could it? She moved her head towards Rei's direction and looked at her. Only to find Rei standing weakly and her head bowed down. What was that suppose to mean? Did she really cheat Rukawa? She refused to believe that. She knew Rei would never do that to him, not in a million years. That's the last thing Rei would do to him… she knew. She had seen those two together; she had seen the love in her eyes, the way she showed her love to him, only a fool wouldn't see that. Was it that Rukawa was just exaggerating? Rei's popular in their school after all. Maybe it was a misunderstanding. Yes, a misunderstanding. She concluded, but she knew she must let Rei have some explanations before thinking of a way to solve this problem.
"Rei? Is it true?" she asked gently while looking at her confusingly. Rei didn't looked at her and just shook her head ever so slowly. They then heard Rukawa grunt. Ayako gave Rukawa a warning glance and he immediately scowled at her. "Look at me…"
She heard Ayako say to her but she just remained silent, not moving an inch. "Please?"
Rei just stared hard at the floor, her vision slightly blurry because of the tears in her eyes. She just ignore Ayako until she heard her say please… she knew she should be facing Ayako and telling her about to what had happen, but it's just that it's really hard telling it. She took a deep breath and slowly looked at Ayako, straight in the eye.
Ayako just winced when she saw the girl's eyes. It held deep pain. Was that because she cheated Rukawa? But she said it's not true… then why? Or was it because the pain that Rukawa caused? "Rei…"
"I didn't… but it's up to you if you want to believe it or not." She answered softly, avoiding Rukawa's hard stare.
"Tell me the reason…"
"H-He told me that it's because I enjoy receiving those letters from the boys and how I flirt with them and that I dated Ryujoji-san…" she trailed off. Ayako slowly nodded, trying to understand the situation. She knew that guys have crushes on her and how Rei reacts to them, being a shy girl she is. She knew her attitude very well. She dated a guy? Now where did that come from? Why would she date another guy if she already has someone?
"But did you really dated him?" Ayako asked, really curious to know all since she was not present last year in the school since she moved in Shohoku. Rei just shook her head, a sad smile on her face.
"Rukawa, how can you think that Rei-chan cheated you since she said she never dated Ryujoji and I know Rei-chan don't enjoy receiving those letters…" she looked at Rukawa with those questioning eyes and demanded an answer from him.
"I saw it with my two eyes, and to think she loves me… What nonsense!" he exclaimed angrily as he threw his arms in the air.
"I told you that I didn't date him! And what gave you the idea that I don't love you!? If I don't our relationship won't last a year! And I wouldn't be hurt if I don't!" she snapped, the anger finally taking it's toll on her. And also, because of the last comment Rukawa gave her. What and who gave him the idea that she didn't love him!? And he says its nonsense! She wouldn't be suffering if she didn't… It's he who was having nonsense with his reasons…
Ayako was shock at the sudden change of attitude. One minute she was depressed the next she was angry. Well Ayako wouldn't blame her for that. If she was the one in the situation, she sure was going to react like she did. And she had the right to be angry at the comment Rukawa made. What gave him that stupid idea of not Rei loving him? 'He's exaggerating,' she thought while glancing at the now shock Rukawa and to an angry Rei. She shook her head slowly while giving a sigh. It would really take long enough to fix this problem. Well she just hope that none of them are involve with someone else right now. That's the last thing she wanted the two to have. She still knows that Rukawa still loves Rei even he declines it, just looking at his eyes she immediately can tell he still longs for her.
Rukawa had the same reaction Ayako has. He was well… not that shock, but was rather surprised at the tone of her voice. The pain, the sadness, the anguish, and the anger all evident in her voice. Well he didn't actually mean to say the last comment but the frustration got the best of him. He knew how much Rei love him and how he returns it openly only that he returns it more than she knew. He didn't mean to say those words… but he wouldn't apologize. First time! He wouldn't be apologizing to her… ever since they had been a couple and were having some quarrels he was always apologizing if he found the fault his, which often happen. He was not going to apologize to a cheater anyway.
There was silence in the gym, as the people there have their own private thoughts, only to be broken by a voice coming from the door where Ayako was leaning,
"Ayako-san! Open the door! I forgot something!" it was Sakuragi, his loud voice ringing faintly in the background.
"What did you forget?" Ayako sighed, leave it to Sakuragi to ruin everything.
"My shirt!" he answered through the closed door. Ayako sighed before leaving the door reluctantly and search for the cursed shirt!
'Not to self: Make Sakuragi's basic training tomorrow hell.' She thought mentally, while picking up the shirt that was on the floor near the chair that she had abandoned long before. She walked towards the now open door, Sakuragi facing Rukawa. She cursed under her breath, knowing Rukawa had found his escape route. She wasn't done yet and she wouldn't let him escape! But it was too late now, seeing Rukawa gave one last glare at Rei and a nod at her, before walking off. She gave Sakuragi his shirt before going after Rukawa.
"Rukawa! Wait!"
Rukawa in the meantime was rather happy that someone interfered. He smirked as he heard the self-proclaimed tensai voice through the blasted door. 'Finally, the doaho has some good use.' He thought while looking at the now blocked-free door. He can finally go home. He scowled realizing that he had missed his daily practice because of some unimportant conversation. He continued to make his way towards the locker room hoping Ayako would leave him alone. He knew he was being rude but he doesn't care right now since he wasn't a bit interested at the conversation. Man! Why does he has to go through this!? Why can't people just leave him alone and mind their own business!? He started to walk faster when he heard Ayako ran towards him. Luckily, he reached the room before Ayako can catch up with him. He immediately entered and locked it so she couldn't enter. He was greeted by confused and some scared expressions from his teammates. He just ignored them and made his way towards his locker. He was in the process of removing his shirt when he heard some noises from outside,
"Rukawa! Stop hiding and open this damned door! I'm not finished yet!" Ayako screamed, the door shaking since Ayako was trying to open the door with the knob. The guys inside just looked confusingly at Rukawa then to the door, Yasuda was about to open the door when,
"Don't open it yet…" Rukawa said quickly, putting on his school uniform.
"What's wrong with Ayako, Rukawa?" Shiozaki asked, confused at the things happening around him.
"Yeah… we heard some shouts inside the gym earlier…" Yasuda added, looking at Rukawa who was finishing the buttons of his school uniform. He didn't add the fact he heard some words like 'broke-up,' 'love,' and some more stuff about relationships knowing Rukawa didn't want to talk about it.
"She can't just accept some 'facts' about us…" he mumbled, the word us in a whisper as he close his eyes for a moment. They were about to ask him what he meant that when they heard Ayako's voice again,
"Rukawa! Open this door! I just want to talk!" Ayako pleaded, still trying to open the door.
"If you don't open-" she stopped upon feeling a hand on her shoulder. She looked and saw Rei smiling sadly at her. She shook her head and said softly,
"There's no need to talk to him, Ayako-chan… No need…" She closed her eyes painfully. She had been alone in the gym for a while when Rukawa had left and Ayako decided to follow him. She still can't believe that Rukawa had said those harsh words to her though she can't blame him with that. She really loves him… just then an image of Sendoh appeared in her mind. Sendoh… yes, she likes the guy; she would openly admit it if someone asks. She likes him but not as strong as the way, she likes Rukawa. 'It's the past Rei… move on.' She sighed, it's just too hard to let go.
"If you have some more questions you can ask me… I can answer you, though it's up to you if you want to believe me or not." She smiled sadly and looked at the door. Just then, the door opened revealing Rukawa in his school uniform. Rei bit her lip and offered a small smile that earned her a grunt.
"Rukawa, why can't you-" Ayako started, beginning to get angry at the way he acts.
"There's nothing more to talk about Ayako-sempai, now if you'll just excuse me… I need to go home." He interrupted and with that, he started walking towards the exit. Ayako was about to speak when,
"Ayako-chan just let him go." Rei said softly looking at the disappearing back of Rukawa.
"I'm sorry for snapping earlier at you! Forgive me!" she called out softly, but loud enough to hear. She didn't got a response instead he looked back at her with those cold eyes before walking again.
"What was that all about Ayako-san?" Yasuda asked looking at Rukawa's back.
"He's been unusual today… is there something wrong? I heard you earlier shouting angrily at the door." Shiozaki asked and the rest just nodded.
"Oh?" Ayako seemed to think for a moment. 'I can't let them know about that! It's better keep it a secret between the three of us.'
"I'm just want to talk about something… nothing important, really," she answered nervously while smiling innocently.
"Really? But he mumbled something like 'can't accept some facts about us' I'm sure I heard him right…" Yasuda added. Not believing Ayako at all the others just nodded.
"What facts are you talking about?" she asked again while sparing a glance at Rei who was silent at the moment.
"You tell us… what is he talking about 'us'?" Shiozaki asked again while looking at the girl next to Ayako.
"Us? He said us? Maybe you heard wrong… we were just talking about…" she looked frantically and saw Sakuragi who was making his way towards them.
"Sakuragi! Yeah, that's right! We were just talking about Hanamichi!" she finished while giving a sign of relief.
"Sakuragi?" Rei whispered to Ayako.
"What? I can't just tell them you." Ayako whispered back and looked at Rei. "Do you want them to know?" Rei shook her head.
"No. Besides Rukawa might think I'm such a haughty person." Ayako smiled a little and turned back to them.
"Sakuragi? You guys are talking about Sakuragi?" Sasaoka asked suspiciously. He was sure he has heard some personal things back in there.
"Yeah we are! Are you saying that you don't believe me at all?" she asked, faking a frown that made Yasuda and the others look at each other.
"I heard my name… are you talking about me?" Sakuragi joined the conversation, looking at a nervous Ayako, a sad Rei and skeptical looks from his teammates.
"In a way, Yes." Yasuda answered truthfully.
"Oh? About what?" he asked looking at them.
"About…" Yasuda drifted off
"About…?" Sakuragi leaned closer, Yasuda and the others looked at Ayako at the same time.
Ayako fidgeted when she felt all of them staring at her. 'Damn it! What will I do now?' she silently prayed for someone to help her, luckily her prayer was granted.
"We were just talking about how fast you learn basketball. Normally other people take months to master the basics." Rei answered, while beaming a smile at him. The boys just look at her in disbelief. While Ayako looked at her, Sakuragi blinked before returning to his arrogant self.
"Nyahahaha! I'm a tensai, that's why I learn fast!" he exclaimed while the others just sighed and Rei couldn't help but smile at him.
"Well, I need to go home so see you guys tomorrow." Sakuragi answered, already making his way towards the exit while waving a quick bye to them. When he was gone, the silence took over again.
"O-k, now that's over… I guess we all go home." Ayako said, looking at the guys who nodded in agreement. She glanced at Rei who also nodded.
"I'll wait for you if you want, Ayako-san." She whispered and Ayako nodded.
"Okay. Wait here." She nodded as she leaned on the wall while her hands resting on her back as she watch Ayako walk towards the changing room. She looked at her surrounding only to see the others have not yet left and was looking at her. She offered a small smile at them.
"It's getting late… aren't you going to go home yet?" she asked politely and sincerely, trying to make a conversation to lessen the tension in the air.
"Well we are… but were still wondering to why Ayako and Rukawa are acting weird today…" Shiozaki answered, smiling politely at the gentle girl.
"Oh." Was all Rei could reply. She didn't know what to say about that so she only settled with that.
"Rei-san…?" Sasaoka spoke, looking quite confused.
Rei looked up upon hearing her name, "Hmm…?"
"Er… I was just wondering… Are you means related to Ayako-san?" he asked, quite nervously
"Me?" Rei let a small giggle before answering.
"Iie… I'm just an old school mate and friend to Ayako-san…"
"Oh…"
"School mate? T-Then that means… You came from Tomigaoka! You know… Rukawa?" Kuwata asked
Rei looked at Kuwata for a moment and gave a soft yet sad smile. "Yeah, I know him… He's been… my classmate for the past 3 years." She answered quite sadly as she continued smiling.
"3 years!? Wow that's long!" Kuwata exclaimed.
Rei nodded. "Yeah… three long happy years…" she whispered so softly that it wasn't even heard by the boys, however Yasuda who was near Rei, heard it loud and clear. He looked at Rei for a moment and tried to observe her. 'Why is she acting so weird when Rukawa's name was mention?' he thought skeptically as he eyed the girl. He couldn't help but be curious about it. Especially when Rukawa started to mumble some weird things that he normally never heard from the silent guy from the locker room. And Ayako! What does they have to do with Ayako? Ayako never shouted like that at anybody and let alone lie! Could she have a link between the two? He remembered Rukawa mumble the word us… Whose us? Could it be Rukawa and this girl, Rei? And what about the words he had faintly heard from the gym…?
'There's something that they're hiding to us…' Yasuda sighed. Never in his life has he been this curious! Sure, he was the type of guy that would like to mind his own business but when it comes to the team, he wanted to know what's happening around him and to his teammates. He sighed again and decided to let the thought in his mind drop. 'Whatever their problem is, I just hope that they will solve it without anyone getting hurt.' Though he was sure that someone sure would be… he looked at the girl again and could only sigh. 'She looks so fragile… Could she and Rukawa had been……?' he thought insensitively. During that thought, all he could do was shook his head mentally, refusing to believe that. However… he looked at the girl again and he couldn't hide a smile that was beginning to form in his lips. Something's telling him that she is a very special girl.
"Um… Do you mind if I ask you something…?" Rei asked meekly. She has been silent for a bit after Kuwata has exclaimed his statement. Yeah, 3 long yet happy years Junior High was for Rei. Even though there were times that she wish she didn't have been made to go to school since she was so tired and vulnerable at times because of the stress she has in Tomigaoka, yet she felt lucky that she has supportive friends like Keiko and Naoko not to mention a loving boyfriend and his sociable friends. Upon remembering them she couldn't help but feel alone for the first time ever since their parting during the graduation. All have left her to go into separate ways. Well not Ken, Tetsuya and Takeshi since they had gone together to another school which a bit far from Shohoku and there's no way she would go to that school since she was afraid of what the students will think of her if she was there just to see those 3. And also, she can't go to Keiko or Naoko since they were so far from her and from Kanagawa. The only thing that keeps them together was the constant e-mails and phone calls from her friends. Upon remembering Rukawa's friends, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of the three.
'I wonder what's going on with those three..?' she wondered happily. Those three were quite a pain at times since they always bug her from anywhere and about everything! Those three were so funny. And she couldn't help but giggle under her breathe at the thought. It was no surprise for her that Rukawa had those 3 as his very close friends since he himself was like that… Always bugging her and asking for something that would make an old man fell from his chair from laughing so hard. Well that all change after that. Upon that thought, she couldn't help but frown. But no matter how hard she tried, forgetting him there's always something that reminds her something about him. And during that times the only thing, that she realize was that she really loves him more than anything and the more she longs for him. She sighed deeply forcing that thought out of her mind. She felt alone, yes she feels alone. Even though she have her new friends, Hikaru and Akane. She could feel protectiveness when they were around her yet she felt that there's something missing. Something she doesn't know… she sighed mentally. It feels like an eternity for Rei to think about those thought but the truth is that only a few seconds had only past.
"Not at all… go ahead…" Kakuta answered. Not knowing what the girl wanted to ask. Rei let a small smile and said,
"Tell me… is um…" she bit her lower lip as she continued, "Is Rukawa nice to you…?" she didn't know what possessed her to asked such a silly question but she really wanted to know the answer.
The guys looked baffled for a moment before looking at each other.
"N-nice?" Sasaoka asked. Come to think of it, the guys didn't know the answer themselves since Rukawa was nothing more than a silent enigma who would rather have his own way and will only speak when necessary. Well… minus to Sakuragi that is. The two would constantly bicker at each other but they knew that Rukawa isn't the one who always start the fight but the red hair, saying things that would make Rukawa say the infamous word 'doaho' that would make Sakuragi start WW III. They sighed at the thought. Those two would never get along and it will be the end of the world if those two did.
"Well come to think of it… he never talks to anyone except when it is necessary." Shiozaki answered rather nervously.
"Oh… I see." with that Rei couldn't help but frown at the attitude Rukawa was giving to his teammates.
"But does he share the ball?" she asked again, the guys looked at each other.
"Well…… Not really."
"Okay…" Rei's frowned even more when she heard that. 'So he want to play selfishly… he isn't like that in JH. Well his like that from moment to moment but would still make a good pass when necessary.' She sighed at the thought. Remembering having a big fight with him in the past to why he should play together with his teammates and not play selfishly as if his not on the team.
"How about you Rei-san? You said that he's been your classmate for the last 3 years. Surely you know him more than we do." Yasuda said smiling at Rei. However, unfortunately Rei didn't catch Yasuda's another meaning of his statement that made him thankful.
'Geez! I feel like a bad guy making a sweet girl reveal everything without her knowing.' He sighed, after this he would never ask her more personal things since it would only make him guilty.
Rei looked at Yasuda for a moment before giving a light laugh. "Yeah… I know him very well. To tell you the truth, I was surprise to hear that Rukawa-san isn't very quite sociable with you guys. You see he isn't like that back in Junior High." She answered, her last sentence soft and filled with emotion.
"He's a very kind and friendly person back then referred to the silent person you know right now. And tell me… does he smile?" she asked with a friendly smile. The guys only shook their heads as Rei nodded. "He really changed a lot after Junior High. Back then he was always smiling, carefree of the things that was happening around him… well not totally since he cares very much about… his friends. You know, if you had been in Tomigaoka and knew him you would think you're seeing a different person right now. Don't worry about the ball stuff! He's been like that since Junior High. You know there's one time that he had score 45 points himself during a preliminary game. Man… just think how many times he had stolen the ball and ran back and forth on the court. That's a bad thing about him but luckily his teammates didn't care about that since he made the team win the game!" she exclaimed with enthusiasm in her voice and yet the guys could hear some sadness in her voice no matter how cheerful she narrated.
"H-He scored 45 points in just one game!?" Shiozaki gaped at the girl in front of him at the shocking revelation she had just said.
"Yeah… he did." She answered with a small frown forming in her lips yet her eyes were filled with happiness. It was one of the times that she had started a fight with him because of that incident. She gave him one loooooong lecture about to what and why he shouldn't be playing selfishly in basketball.
~Flashback~
The sound of the buzzer rang to the air of the gym as the crowd screamed in delight and joy most especially the students of a certain school.
Tomigaoka. The students were screaming as their school took home another victory and had made it into the finals.
95-43 was the score.
With Tomigaoka having 53 points of advantage.
All because of a certain black hair male.
Number 4 of Tomigaoka Junior High.
Rukawa Kaede.
Earning the score of 45 in just one game.
Almost half of the team's score had made it possible by him self.
Making them the winner all because of him.
Everybody was happy about the win.
Except her.
"Alright we've won! Rei-chan isn't it great!?" Keiko's enthusiastic voice was merely a whisper compared to the roaring crowd of the gym they were at. A black-haired beauty sitting plainly was watching the game or rather the finished gamed with an annoyed expression on her pale face. A scowl embedded on her lips, matching the expression she was wearing just now. She didn't like the win despite she is one of Tomigaoka's students. Rukawa Kaede, Tomigaoka's team captain rose his head as he searched the frantic crowd to look for his tenshi. Upon seeing her, he gave her a heart-melting smile that could make any girl faint. He didn't register the fact that she was scowling at him. Rei's expression suddenly changed to a kind and serene expression, she almost forgot of the 'deed' he had done. However, the thought of that made her snort which was very unlikely of her. She looked at her two friends who were joining the crowd to celebrate the win.
"Will you two sit down!? There's nothing joyful about this!" she exclaimed as she glared at her two companions who stopped jumping up and down and looked at her quite strangely.
"What's wrong Rei-chan? Aren't you happy that we won the preliminary round?" Naoko asked skeptically.
"Why should I!? The idiot scored a 45 by himself!" she said indignantly as she cross her arms in displeasure, while ignoring stares given to her by people near them. Keiko and Naoko looked at each other; wanting to know whom the idiot, she is referring to and to why she was so angry.
"Idiot? Who-" Keiko started but stopped when she realized who the idiot is.
"C'mon Rei-chan! Don't be mean to Kaede-kun! He didn't do anything! He made the team win!" Keiko and Naoko was still confuse to why their Rei was so angry.
"Precisely! He had made Tomigaoka win but do he need to be selfish!?" An inquiring eyebrow rose as she looked at her friends.
"What?" the two looked at each other before to her. Selfish? Kaede?
"He isn't selfish! Rei-chan… you shouldn't be mean to your boyfriend!" Naoko scolded. Why on earth Kaede would be selfish!?
"Don't give me that crap Naoko-chan! You know exactly what I mean! And I'm not being mean to Kaede-kun!" she replied, not happy that Naoko think she was being mean to Kaede. She was just telling the mere truth!
"Then what do you mean about him being selfish?" Keiko asked, still confused. All Rei could do was sigh and close her eyes. She took deep breaths as she tried to calm down.
"Don't tell me you still don't know…" the two looked at each other before returning the gaze at her.
"Haven't you realize something during the game?" she looked at them and only shrugged.
"Kaede-kun is playing quite selfishly at the game…" she explained calmly as she waited for the reaction of the two.
"WHAT!?"
"You heard me… he was playing quite selfishly. Don't tell me you haven't seen it…"
"Iie. We didn't. We were busy cheering and adoring Kaede-kun's fantastic moves!" Keiko clasped her hand together in delight as Rei only sighed in defeat.
"You two are hopeless. And to think you two play basketball."
"We are! But c'mon! You must admit Kaede's moves are so marvelous!" Naoko exclaimed.
"Yeah, yeah, it is. No biggie." Rei replied while waving a hand dryly.
"Really now…?"
"Yes! He better be ready for anything that would happen to him soon." She looked at the group of girls who were holding the railing and was waving frantically at someone and were squealing. She was about to leave them when she caught sight of the guy they were waving at. She immediately frowned.
"Look! He's looking at us!" a girl squealed as she pointed at the famous Rukawa Kaede who turned his head towards them.
"Isn't he so damn gorgeous!?" another girl exclaimed
"He's so marvelous!" another one commented
"Do you think he's taken?" another girl asked the three looked at each other and grinned.
"NOT!" or so they think. The girls resumed looking at the handsome captain of Tomigaoka Junior High who was currently talking to his fellow teammates.
"Jealous eh?" Keiko teased as Rei just rolled her eyes and growl.
"No. Why should I be?"
"Because those girls are trying to get his attention." Naoko added as she grinned when she saw Rei close her eyes in irritation.
"As if their gonna get his attention." She replied calmly yet her voice was filled with jealousy.
Keiko and Naoko looked at each other before snickering lowly. Boy! How they love making Rei jealous. It was fun seeing her face change into different expressions; after all, she has some colorful attitude and temper.
"Oh! Look! Another set of admirers trying to get Kaede-kun's attention!" Naoko pointed at another set of girls from another school that was screaming Kaede's name.
"Don't mind them. C'mon let's wait for the guys at the entrance." She replied giving one last glare at the girls who were frantic to get Kaede's attention. Keiko and Naoko looked at each other before giggling.
"Don't worry Rei-chan! Kaede loves you very much! He won't look for another girl if he already has a perfect one!" Keiko exclaimed as she stood up, following Rei's example.
"Yeah… Don't worry." Naoko assured while giving Rei a smile.
"I know. I have faith in him." She said softly as she beamed a smile at Kaede who was looking at her with a tender smile on his face before nodding at her.
"But that doesn't mean he's going to get away from the 'deed' he had done." She retorted, as she walked towards the exit while ignoring the envious glares that were thrown at her by some girls who saw Rukawa smiling at her.
"And what's that?" Keiko asked while walking side by side with Rei.
"You'll see." was all she said before taking the exit.
~#~#~
"About time you guys get here." Naoko said as she looked towards the approaching group of 4.
"Gomen! There were some reporters back there who wanted to interview us." Ken answered while waving a hand for an apology.
"That's okay. Congratulations guys… for the win that is." Rei replied nicely but there were some hint of unfriendliness in her voice for the last sentence. And the guys wince upon hearing her voice sound that way. They looked at each other before looking at Rukawa whose eyebrows were twitching in confusion.
"Doshite (what's wrong) Rei-chan?" Rukawa asked concernly, not liking the fact that she was angry at something.
"She's been like that after the game." Keiko answered evenly as they exit the gym. The guys looked at each other before looking at the silent Rei.
"She is? Why?" Rukawa asked concernly as he took Rei's small hand to his own.
"Did someone tried to harass her!?" he concluded, his voice filled with anger. He didn't like to think someone tried to harass his Rei… again. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard giggling from his girl friends.
"Don't think something like that. Nobody would try to harass her as long as we're there to protect her." Naoko answered as she grinned at Rukawa's protectiveness.
"You want to know why I am angry?" Rei spoke calmly as she looked at Rukawa.
"Yes."
"You really want to know?" she asked again through clenched teeth. Keiko and Naoko looked at Rukawa with pity before looking at Ken, Tetsuya and Takeshi who looked at each other before nodding, getting the hint.
"Wow! Look at the time! It's already 2:35! I need to go home! I promise my mom that I would help her prepare for the coming guests!" Ken interjected as he looked at his watch to make his statement have a better effect.
"Yeah! Me too! I need to baby-sit my little brother!" Naoko added
"I need to study for the test we're going to have tomorrow." Tetsuya said slowly.
"Gomen! I have to buy grocery for my family." Keiko spoke guiltily
"I need to sleep." Everyone looked at Takeshi in disbelief
"What!? I'm tired!" he defended, a blush on his high cheekbones.
"Gomen you two! It looks like Rei-chan's the only one that you will treat to free food Kaede-kun!" Ken said as he started to walk away from the couple.
"Yeah! Maybe next time! Bye!"
"Ja ne! We'll see you tomorrow at school!" with that the 5 teens started to walk away from the two silent couple and turned to a corner.
"Why do you have to make up leave Keiko-chan? I wanted to be treat! I'm hungry!" Takeshi whined as he walked together with them.
"Stop your whining Takeshi-kun! It's not like it's your first time being treated by Kaede-kun!" Keiko hissed. She too didn't want to separate from Rei and Kaede but it needs to be done. Rukawa needs 'some punishment for his idioticy' as Rei would call it. And it's been quite a habit that Kaede would treat them for free food after a game.
"B-But! I'm hungry!" he repeated again while holding his stomach
"We all are Takeshi-kun, we all are." Ken sighed
"But I still don't get it! Why do we need to go? And why is Rei-chan angry?"
"Tell me? What did you notice back there when your playing?" Naoko asked, instead answering Takeshi's question.
"What?" The three guys look at each other in confusion.
"What did you realize when you were playing back there?" Keiko repeated Naoko's question.
"Come to think of it… there's something I can comprehend though it's not mine." Tetsuya answered thoughtfully
"Well? What is it?"
"Even Coach was a little upset about that."
"He is? C'mon Tetsuya! Tell us already!" Takeshi exclaimed in a tired voice. "God! I'm so hungry!"
"Don't worry, we'll eat." Tetsuya said as he continued,
"Kaede-kun's quite selfish with the ball today." With that Takeshi stopped.
"HE'S WHAT!?"
"Louder, Takeshi-kun. I don't think I heard you loud enough." Ken said sarcastically.
"You sure Tetsuya?"
"Positive. Don't tell me you didn't know?" Tetsuya asked, looking at Ken in disbelief.
"Er… I didn't notice it… sort of."
"How about you Takeshi-kun? Didn't you notice it?"
"Not really. But since you told me… I'm beginning to realize that Kaede-kun's quite the selfish guy during the game. I was free during a minute and asked him to pass the ball to me and yet all he did was ignore me and made a dunk against the 3 people from the other school." Takeshi answered with a frown. The 4 just nodded and remained quiet as they continued walking.
"But I still don't get to why we need to separate with them!" Takeshi exclaimed again.
"Yeah, I still don't get to why we need to leave those two alone." Tetsuya agreed as he looked questioningly at Keiko and Naoko.
"Simple! Rei-chan's so angry because she didn't like the fact Kaede-kun's play selfishly." Naoko answered as they come to a stop at a small café.
"Oh." Was Takeshi's intelligent answer as he looks at the food that were being served.
"So… what will she going to do to Kaede-kun?" Ken asked, already feeling sorry for his friend since he knew Rei had a lot of value at teamwork.
"I think he's going to be lectured." Naoko answered as she walked towards the empty booth near the window. With that the boys wince yet their lips were twitching.
"Poor guy." Tetsuya mumbled.
"I know." Keiko answered as she looked at the approaching waitress in delight.
~#~#~
"Rei-chan…? What's wrong?" he asked again for the tenth time, his voice full of worry as he hold her hand while walking towards a café.
"…….."
"Please tell me?" he pleaded as he stopped walking and looked straight at Rei's eyes. She hasn't spoken a word since Keiko and the others left them, and the silence was killing him! He was surprised when he saw anger with them and it was twinkling mysteriously?
"Did I do something wrong?" he asked again this time his voice was full of desperate. By God! If Rei was angry with him, he'll make sure to kick himself for the stupidity he had done. But… he didn't do something to make her mad… right?
"…….." Rei was trying her hardest not to laugh at Rukawa's desperate please. How she love making Rukawa plead. She was the only one that could make him and she felt blessed at that. He truly loves her and she mentally smiled at that thought. 'Now for his punishment…'
"Yes! You idiot!" she said loudly, making the people around them look at her. Rukawa just stood there, surprised. She was mad! Why?
"Why?" he voiced out.
"Don't think stupidly, Kaede-kun!"
"Why are you so selfish!?" With that Rukawa was taken aback. Selfish? Him?
"S-Selfish?" he asked in a low voice, still confused and a bit hurt.
Rei's hard gaze soften as she looked at Rukawa before dragging him the park that was luckily deserted.
Rei sighed and said,
"Sit down." Pointing at the swing that was in front of them.
"Iie. I would rather stand." He said reverently.
"Fine."
"Am I really selfish koishii?" he asked softly.
Rei sighed, no matter what she do she would never be angry at Kaede long enough.
"Yes… and No."
"W-what?" Rei sighed again before speaking,
"What I mean is your not selfish… in fact you're the most altruistic person I have ever known." She said with a smile that made Rukawa kiss her in the cheek as a sign of thank you, making her blush. She shook her head and looked at Rukawa with a frown, who frowned also.
"What I mean is… Do you have to play selfishly!?" she blurted out, a glare seen on her face.
"Huh?" Rukawa was taken by her question… What does she mean?
"You know what I mean." She answered irritatingly. She had told that line a couple of times now.
"But I really don't understand it." Rei rolled her eyes.
"What I mean is that during the game, I notice that you kept playing as if you are the only member of the team!" With that Rukawa frowned,
"Kaede-kun? Do you know what 'teamwork' means?" Rukawa tried to open his mouth to answer but Rei beat him to it.
"Teamwork consist of working together with a group……………………………." She began to lecture him about to what and why teamwork is important. (A/N Gomen, I'm too lazy to say everything… but you do get the picture right!?) All Rukawa could do was stand there and look at her with a small smile on his face. He didn't even care that the lecture she was giving him took like a half an hour or so. He couldn't help but admire her thoughtfulness about teamwork. He knew that he did was wrong but he couldn't help it! It wasn't his fault if his teammates were quite slow today. He snapped at his thoughts when Rei called him.
"Kaede-kun? KAEDE!" she called, she has been calling his name for like the twentieth time and there was no sign that he was even listening to her!
"Are you still listening!?" Rukawa merely smiled at her, ignoring the fact that she was on a bad mood.
"Gomen. But really, I am listening."
"You better be! I don't want to waste my breath to nothing." She said slightly annoyed.
"Really. I do. It won't happen again." He smiled at Rei.
"Promise?" returning his smile with her own as she took out her pinky finger to seal that promise.
"Promise." He said slowly as he lean downward and took her lips on his own as his sign, taking Rei in surprise. She was never expecting the kiss. She slowly sighed before closing her eyes and responded. After what seems eternity, Rukawa smiled,
"Don't worry Rei-chan, It won't happen again."
"You better." She replied indignantly, crossing her arms and returned his smile with her own.
True to his word, Rukawa never became that selfish in the way he acted that day but there were times that he would score a maximum of 26 points during a game.
~End of Flashback~
"But did they won the championship?" Yasuda asked, snapping Rei back to reality.
"Huh? Oh yes! They did. He's the MVP!" the guys looked at each other before smiling. Hope filled their chests. Maybe they have a chance after all.
"Don't worry about the coming practice game with Ryonan! I'm sure we have a chance beating the time! Ojii-chan told me that you guys have a very large chance with winning the practice game." She replied, as if reading their minds.
"Ojii-chan? Who?" the guys looked at each other confusingly.
"Coach Anzai! Who else?" she asked, smiling.
"Oh." Was their answer.
"NANI!?" they shouted in unison.
"Y-Your Anzai-sensei's granddaughter?" Kakuta asked in disbelief. He never knew that their Coach Anzai has a very beautiful and nice granddaughter like her.
"Hai! Hai! I'm his granddaughter." She giggled childishly at their disbelief.
"You never knew he has a granddaughter did you?" They all nodded and she smiled.
"Now you know." She replied laughing lightly as the guys followed.
"Wow! What did I miss?" a voice asked, making Rei and the guys stop laughing and looked at the figure.
"Ayako-san!" Rei exclaimed.
"Sorry if I took long to get dress." She said apologetically.
"That's okay! We're having a great time talking to each other." Yasuda answered.
"We never knew that she was Anzai-sensei's granddaughter." He added as Ayako nodded with a smile.
"Yeah. Hey, guys it's getting late why don't we all go home?" Ayako suggested as the guys nodded and slowly walked towards the exit.
"It's nice talking to you guys." Rei said as she waved goodbye to them when they were all at the gate.
"Yeah. Same with us."
"Don't tell Rukawa the things I have told you guys okay?" they nodded.
"Good. Bye!" she waved goodbye as she walked towards another direction with Ayako.
"Told them what, Rei-chan?" Ayako asked confusedly.
"That Kaede's not the same as he is now." She said softly.
"How did they reacted?"
"Surprised."
"But did you cried?" she teased her as Rei could just shook her head.
"Iie. I didn't." with that Ayako remained silent.
"Don't worry about me Ayako-chan."
"… Besides I'm moving on." She continued as she looked at the stars softly with a small smile.
With that Ayako frowned.
To be continued…
Author's notes:
I know… this chapter is very late! Sorry about that! I didn't mean to post this very late. I had the chapter since like June!? Yet I haven't finished it-- Writer's block! To tell you the truth, I was planning to make the chapter with the practice game with Ryonan at the end but that all change when I was writing this. An idea had popped in my mind, the flashback that is (quite long isn't it? But oh well, I thought that will make the chapter interesting)… What do you think about the chapter!? Is it boring!? Tell me! I want to know your opinion about this chapter and my story! I would really appreciate it! I'll wait for your feedback! Again, I am very sorry about my late posting! Just bare with me! And also don't expect quick updates from me… since I need to do well in school! Chemistry is just so darn hard! Ugh! The equations! *_*
***Anyways to those people who wanted to be known if I had updated leave your e-mail with your review and tell me you wanted to be confirmed okay!? I'll see you on the next chapter! I'll try posting it as soon as I get my hands into it! ^_^
~Princess Ren