Count your blessings By shinichimakigal
Disclaimer: I do not own any Slam Dunk characters so dun bother suing coz I am broke.
Thanks to all my reviewers. Sorry for the long update!!!
(A/N: I decided to fast-forward the Kainan game. So now it is the Ryonan game. I am really sorry about it but I really need to complete this fic as soon as I can coz school's opening in 2 days.)
Chapter 23: I don't believe in me, do you?
"I still can't believe neither we nor you guys managed to defeat Kainan. Even though you did do a great job," Aya said softly as she and Sendoh walked through the park near their apartment. Sendoh did not reply as he dragged his feet along the ground, staring into space.
Aya sighed. Ever since last week, Sendoh had not really been himself. She was concerned about him but every time she approached him, he just pushed himself further away from her.
"Aya! Sendoh-san!" a voice rang out from behind them, breaking the uncomfortable silence between them. Aya turned around and saw Kogure, Ayumi, Mitsui and Miyuki, a girl from their class.
Aya forced a smile on her face as they walked towards them. "Hey, what are all you guys doing here?" she asked.
"We decided to take a walk after lunch," Kogure replied, after greeting them both. "What are you doing here?"
Aya glanced over at Sendoh. Sendoh just shrugged. "Just walking." Aya decided to change the subject and directed a question at Mitsui. "Oi, I thought you were going out with Nika?"
Mitsui just snorted. "Nika? Like that was a decade ago. It was a fling, nothing more, nothing less."
Aya's eyes flash with anger. "That's why Nika has been looking down lately. Mitsui Hisashi, you are nothing more than a low-life scumbag. You think you can toy with people's feelings as though they don't care? Well, to hell with you. One day, you are going to fall in love so deeply, and you will know the feeling of not being able to be with the one you love!"
Mitsui shrugged off the comments. "Humph! Like you know what love is? You fell in love with a nine-year old brat didn't you?" he taunted.
Aya felt her body shake with anger and before she could stop herself, she raised up her hand and brought it down hard on Mitsui's cheek. "Don't. ever. talk. about. him. like. that. ever again," she choked out.
Mitsui stumbled back, his hand on his burning cheek. He felt a tang of regret hit him as he saw how upset he had made her to be. But before he could apologize, Sendoh beat him to it.
"Aya, let's just go," he said softly, pulling her away from the group and leading her towards the pond. Aya shrugged out of his grip and walked beside him. Once they reached the pond, they sat down, without either one of them saying a word.
"Aya, I know this is not a good time, but I have to get this off my chest," Sendoh said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. Aya just looked at him in a questioning way. Sendoh sighed before continuing.
"Aya, you are a great person. One of the best girls I have ever known. But I have to be true to myself, my heart. I think it is time for us to break up," Sendoh said, surprising Aya with his words.
"But why?" Aya asked confused.
"Because I believe in true love. I believe that there is a person out there for me and when I meet her, I will know. That she is the one for me and I for her. I love you but as a dear friend, nothing else," Sendoh replied gently.
"So where does that leave us?" Aya asked softly, not meeting his eyes.
"Friends, I hope. I am really sorry. Many people think I am a player because I have dated many girls. But I am not. I want to fall in love with that one person I can keep forever."
Aya nodded as she stood up. "Okay then. Good luck," she said, before walking off.
"Aya, wait!" Sendoh called her as he grabbed her hand. Aya did not turn around but just pulled away from his grip. "I think it would be better for both of us if you would leave me alone for a while," Aya replied before heading for the opposite direction.
Aya walked through the park, hugging herself, thinking about her relationship with Sendoh. "Why didn't you tell me earlier, before I thought I was truly falling in love with you?" she thought miserably as she approached the playground. Seated in her favourite swing since young, was a girl of around 15, sobbing.
Aya went and sat down in the swing beside the girl's. "Hey, dajoubu-deska?"
The girl looked up and shook her head no. "Not really," she said.
Aya just sighed. "Well, me either. My boyfriend just broke up with me. Why is life so confusing?"
The girl looked up at her and gasped. "You are Aya, the basketball player, aren't you?"
Aya forced a smile on her face. "Yeah, I guess I am. You look kind of familiar. Are you from Shohoku or Kainan?"
The girl nodded. "I am from Kainan, first year. My name is Natsumi and I am a huge fan of yours since like ever. You are such a great player! I always wanted to meet you!" she gushed, wiping her tears away.
Aya just laughed. "Great? Nah, I am just a normal person. I just think of basketball as something I use to get away from people and my problems."
"You have problems? That's impossible. You are so perfect," Natsumi said. "Unlike me."
"Believe me, I am far from perfect. Now, tell me what got you so upset. I might be able to help," Aya said.
Natsumi breathe in deeply and started to tell her all about her life. Her brother used to be a gangster but suddenly he turned back good and when things started to look good, her parents decided to think of getting a divorce.
"You see, my life is falling apart in front of my eyes. And the worst thing is that I can't do anything to stop it," Natsumi said, tears forming in her eyes again.
Aya just sighed. "At least you still have your parents. My parents died when I was young. But my brother showed me all the love in the world, even though at times he is a baka. Just think about it, don't you think even though your parents divorce, they will still love you? Plus you still have your brother, right?" Aya consoled.
Natsumi nodded. "You are right." "Of course I am" Aya joked.
Natsumi laughed. "Thank you for your advice. You really helped me through. I think I should go home now. But I will see you in Kainan during basketball practice, won't I?"
"Yeah, you will and you better come down and support us!" Aya said, making Natsumi laugh again. "Where do you live?" When told the address, Aya said, "You live across the road from me. Come on, let's walk together."
Once they reached Natsumi's house, Natsumi turned to Aya. "Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?"
Aya shook her head. "Nah, my brother's probably waiting for me. I should go."
"Okay, then. Next time then," Natsumi said, just as the door opened.
"Natsumi Mitsui! Where have you been!" boomed a familiar voice. It was Mitsui Hisashi!
Aya just stared at him confused and Mitsui returned the stare. Natsumi just looked back and front from her brother and her new-found friend.
"You two know each other?" Natsumi asked.
Mitsui snapped out of his trance. "Kind of," he said.
"I should get going. Ja!" Aya said, walking off as quickly as she could. Mitsui immediately grabbed his jacket and rushed to catch up with her.
"Oi, chotto! I'll walk you home," Mitsui said as he walked beside Aya.
Aya sighed before turning to face Mitsui. "Listen, I was not in the best mood just now. I am sorry I blew up at you. It is your life and you can do anything you want with it. Okay?"
Mitsui did not answer her. Instead he just walked on beside her, in silence. "You are right, you know?" he said after a while.
Aya looked at him with a questioning look. "About falling in love. I guess I have always been insecure. Because everyone who I have seen falling in love, sooner or later gets hurt and I don't want that to happen to me," Mitsui said, not meeting her glance.
Aya just sighed again. "So you are never going to try, are you?"
"Huh?" Mitsui said, confused.
"You will never know unless you try. And don't wait too long. The love of your life might just be well under your nose and you might not know," Aya explained. "Anyway, don't worry too much about it. What you need to worry about is your first love."
"I am in love?" Mitsui asked, still confused.
Aya laughed before turning away. "Of course you are. You love basketball, don't you? Tomorrow is the chance to prove it. Prove to yourself," she said, walking into the building.
The next day
Aya rushed into the gym. She breathe a sigh of relief when she realized that the match had not begun yet.
"Aya-san! You are finally here! We thought you won't be able to make it," Ayako exclaimed as she ushered the older girl to her seat.
"Of course not! This is just as important to me as it is to everyone else here," Aya replied with a smile before joining the team for the pep talk.
Pweet "Referee time!" the referee called as Mitsui fainted onto the floor. Kogure and a few more of the substitutes helped to carry him to the locker room. A while later, the guys came out and Kogure warmed-up to enter for Mitsui.
"I should go check on Mitsui-sempai," Ayako said, standing up. A hand pulled her down.
"You stay out here and make sure things go alright. I'll go check on him," Aya said, walking off towards the locker room.
In the locker room
"Shit!" Mitsui cursed as the can slipped out of his grip and rolled towards the open door. It suddenly stopped moving as it hit some one's foot. Looking up, he saw Aya. She walked towards him and grabbed another can from the bench and opened it before offering it to him.
"I can do it myself!" Mitsui shouted, slapping the can out of Aya's hand. He then reached for another can and shakily opened it. After fumbling with it for some time, he finally opened it and took a huge swig of the drink, causing some of it to spill down his chin.
"I don't need your pity," Mitsui mumbled to Aya, not meeting her eyes.
"Pity? Ch. I am sorry to disappoint you but I don't pity you one bit. I actually came here to tell you how proud everyone is of you. You played a brilliant game and the rest of the guys would not have come so far if not for you. But you are sitting here, feeling sorry for yourself. I guess I was wrong in thinking that you were indeed the MVP I saw in junior high!" Aya exclaimed in anger as she turned to leave. But a trembling hand grabbed hers and stopped her from leaving.
"Please don't go. Please don't leave me alone here," Mitsui said softly. Aya sighed as she sat beside Mitsui, wiping his face with the towel.
"I just wanted to prove to everyone that I could play basketball as well as I used to, just like you said. But I don't think I could ever do that again," Mitsui said, tears stinging his eyes.
Aya drew him into an embrace. "Who says you can't be as good as you used to be? You can and you will. Even if you give up on yourself, I won't give up on you. So you better prepare yourself," she said softly.
The two of them remained as so for a while. Then, Mitsui pulled away and wiped his face. "Thank you for being here. I know you rather be anywhere but with me, but thank you."
"Who says I rather be anywhere but with you? I-" Mitsui cut her off by pressing his lips against hers in a passionate kiss. Aya and Mitsui felt a zang of electricity flow through them as their lips met. Not waiting the feeling to pass, they kept kissing till they were out of breath.
As Aya pulled away from Mitsui, she felt a whole range of feelings pass through her. Confusion flooded her mind as she stumbled away from him. "I'm sorry I have to go," she said softly, running out of the locker room.
Mitsui reached up and gently touched his lips where Aya's was just a second ago. "Are you crazy? She has a boyfriend and she does not like you in that way! So why did you kiss her?" his mind scolded him. "But what was that feeling? It was nothing that I have ever felt before. Could it be that.?"
Mitsui shook his head. "If she is the one, the one I am suppose to love for the rest of my life, why did she turn away from me?" his mind cried miserably as he sat there in silence, staring at the ground.
OH MY GOD!!! I can't believe I took 5 days to write this chapter. I am so sorry, minna-san!!! Please don't stop reviewing and I will try to post as soon as I can, okay?
Disclaimer: I do not own any Slam Dunk characters so dun bother suing coz I am broke.
Thanks to all my reviewers. Sorry for the long update!!!
(A/N: I decided to fast-forward the Kainan game. So now it is the Ryonan game. I am really sorry about it but I really need to complete this fic as soon as I can coz school's opening in 2 days.)
Chapter 23: I don't believe in me, do you?
"I still can't believe neither we nor you guys managed to defeat Kainan. Even though you did do a great job," Aya said softly as she and Sendoh walked through the park near their apartment. Sendoh did not reply as he dragged his feet along the ground, staring into space.
Aya sighed. Ever since last week, Sendoh had not really been himself. She was concerned about him but every time she approached him, he just pushed himself further away from her.
"Aya! Sendoh-san!" a voice rang out from behind them, breaking the uncomfortable silence between them. Aya turned around and saw Kogure, Ayumi, Mitsui and Miyuki, a girl from their class.
Aya forced a smile on her face as they walked towards them. "Hey, what are all you guys doing here?" she asked.
"We decided to take a walk after lunch," Kogure replied, after greeting them both. "What are you doing here?"
Aya glanced over at Sendoh. Sendoh just shrugged. "Just walking." Aya decided to change the subject and directed a question at Mitsui. "Oi, I thought you were going out with Nika?"
Mitsui just snorted. "Nika? Like that was a decade ago. It was a fling, nothing more, nothing less."
Aya's eyes flash with anger. "That's why Nika has been looking down lately. Mitsui Hisashi, you are nothing more than a low-life scumbag. You think you can toy with people's feelings as though they don't care? Well, to hell with you. One day, you are going to fall in love so deeply, and you will know the feeling of not being able to be with the one you love!"
Mitsui shrugged off the comments. "Humph! Like you know what love is? You fell in love with a nine-year old brat didn't you?" he taunted.
Aya felt her body shake with anger and before she could stop herself, she raised up her hand and brought it down hard on Mitsui's cheek. "Don't. ever. talk. about. him. like. that. ever again," she choked out.
Mitsui stumbled back, his hand on his burning cheek. He felt a tang of regret hit him as he saw how upset he had made her to be. But before he could apologize, Sendoh beat him to it.
"Aya, let's just go," he said softly, pulling her away from the group and leading her towards the pond. Aya shrugged out of his grip and walked beside him. Once they reached the pond, they sat down, without either one of them saying a word.
"Aya, I know this is not a good time, but I have to get this off my chest," Sendoh said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. Aya just looked at him in a questioning way. Sendoh sighed before continuing.
"Aya, you are a great person. One of the best girls I have ever known. But I have to be true to myself, my heart. I think it is time for us to break up," Sendoh said, surprising Aya with his words.
"But why?" Aya asked confused.
"Because I believe in true love. I believe that there is a person out there for me and when I meet her, I will know. That she is the one for me and I for her. I love you but as a dear friend, nothing else," Sendoh replied gently.
"So where does that leave us?" Aya asked softly, not meeting his eyes.
"Friends, I hope. I am really sorry. Many people think I am a player because I have dated many girls. But I am not. I want to fall in love with that one person I can keep forever."
Aya nodded as she stood up. "Okay then. Good luck," she said, before walking off.
"Aya, wait!" Sendoh called her as he grabbed her hand. Aya did not turn around but just pulled away from his grip. "I think it would be better for both of us if you would leave me alone for a while," Aya replied before heading for the opposite direction.
Aya walked through the park, hugging herself, thinking about her relationship with Sendoh. "Why didn't you tell me earlier, before I thought I was truly falling in love with you?" she thought miserably as she approached the playground. Seated in her favourite swing since young, was a girl of around 15, sobbing.
Aya went and sat down in the swing beside the girl's. "Hey, dajoubu-deska?"
The girl looked up and shook her head no. "Not really," she said.
Aya just sighed. "Well, me either. My boyfriend just broke up with me. Why is life so confusing?"
The girl looked up at her and gasped. "You are Aya, the basketball player, aren't you?"
Aya forced a smile on her face. "Yeah, I guess I am. You look kind of familiar. Are you from Shohoku or Kainan?"
The girl nodded. "I am from Kainan, first year. My name is Natsumi and I am a huge fan of yours since like ever. You are such a great player! I always wanted to meet you!" she gushed, wiping her tears away.
Aya just laughed. "Great? Nah, I am just a normal person. I just think of basketball as something I use to get away from people and my problems."
"You have problems? That's impossible. You are so perfect," Natsumi said. "Unlike me."
"Believe me, I am far from perfect. Now, tell me what got you so upset. I might be able to help," Aya said.
Natsumi breathe in deeply and started to tell her all about her life. Her brother used to be a gangster but suddenly he turned back good and when things started to look good, her parents decided to think of getting a divorce.
"You see, my life is falling apart in front of my eyes. And the worst thing is that I can't do anything to stop it," Natsumi said, tears forming in her eyes again.
Aya just sighed. "At least you still have your parents. My parents died when I was young. But my brother showed me all the love in the world, even though at times he is a baka. Just think about it, don't you think even though your parents divorce, they will still love you? Plus you still have your brother, right?" Aya consoled.
Natsumi nodded. "You are right." "Of course I am" Aya joked.
Natsumi laughed. "Thank you for your advice. You really helped me through. I think I should go home now. But I will see you in Kainan during basketball practice, won't I?"
"Yeah, you will and you better come down and support us!" Aya said, making Natsumi laugh again. "Where do you live?" When told the address, Aya said, "You live across the road from me. Come on, let's walk together."
Once they reached Natsumi's house, Natsumi turned to Aya. "Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?"
Aya shook her head. "Nah, my brother's probably waiting for me. I should go."
"Okay, then. Next time then," Natsumi said, just as the door opened.
"Natsumi Mitsui! Where have you been!" boomed a familiar voice. It was Mitsui Hisashi!
Aya just stared at him confused and Mitsui returned the stare. Natsumi just looked back and front from her brother and her new-found friend.
"You two know each other?" Natsumi asked.
Mitsui snapped out of his trance. "Kind of," he said.
"I should get going. Ja!" Aya said, walking off as quickly as she could. Mitsui immediately grabbed his jacket and rushed to catch up with her.
"Oi, chotto! I'll walk you home," Mitsui said as he walked beside Aya.
Aya sighed before turning to face Mitsui. "Listen, I was not in the best mood just now. I am sorry I blew up at you. It is your life and you can do anything you want with it. Okay?"
Mitsui did not answer her. Instead he just walked on beside her, in silence. "You are right, you know?" he said after a while.
Aya looked at him with a questioning look. "About falling in love. I guess I have always been insecure. Because everyone who I have seen falling in love, sooner or later gets hurt and I don't want that to happen to me," Mitsui said, not meeting her glance.
Aya just sighed again. "So you are never going to try, are you?"
"Huh?" Mitsui said, confused.
"You will never know unless you try. And don't wait too long. The love of your life might just be well under your nose and you might not know," Aya explained. "Anyway, don't worry too much about it. What you need to worry about is your first love."
"I am in love?" Mitsui asked, still confused.
Aya laughed before turning away. "Of course you are. You love basketball, don't you? Tomorrow is the chance to prove it. Prove to yourself," she said, walking into the building.
The next day
Aya rushed into the gym. She breathe a sigh of relief when she realized that the match had not begun yet.
"Aya-san! You are finally here! We thought you won't be able to make it," Ayako exclaimed as she ushered the older girl to her seat.
"Of course not! This is just as important to me as it is to everyone else here," Aya replied with a smile before joining the team for the pep talk.
Pweet "Referee time!" the referee called as Mitsui fainted onto the floor. Kogure and a few more of the substitutes helped to carry him to the locker room. A while later, the guys came out and Kogure warmed-up to enter for Mitsui.
"I should go check on Mitsui-sempai," Ayako said, standing up. A hand pulled her down.
"You stay out here and make sure things go alright. I'll go check on him," Aya said, walking off towards the locker room.
In the locker room
"Shit!" Mitsui cursed as the can slipped out of his grip and rolled towards the open door. It suddenly stopped moving as it hit some one's foot. Looking up, he saw Aya. She walked towards him and grabbed another can from the bench and opened it before offering it to him.
"I can do it myself!" Mitsui shouted, slapping the can out of Aya's hand. He then reached for another can and shakily opened it. After fumbling with it for some time, he finally opened it and took a huge swig of the drink, causing some of it to spill down his chin.
"I don't need your pity," Mitsui mumbled to Aya, not meeting her eyes.
"Pity? Ch. I am sorry to disappoint you but I don't pity you one bit. I actually came here to tell you how proud everyone is of you. You played a brilliant game and the rest of the guys would not have come so far if not for you. But you are sitting here, feeling sorry for yourself. I guess I was wrong in thinking that you were indeed the MVP I saw in junior high!" Aya exclaimed in anger as she turned to leave. But a trembling hand grabbed hers and stopped her from leaving.
"Please don't go. Please don't leave me alone here," Mitsui said softly. Aya sighed as she sat beside Mitsui, wiping his face with the towel.
"I just wanted to prove to everyone that I could play basketball as well as I used to, just like you said. But I don't think I could ever do that again," Mitsui said, tears stinging his eyes.
Aya drew him into an embrace. "Who says you can't be as good as you used to be? You can and you will. Even if you give up on yourself, I won't give up on you. So you better prepare yourself," she said softly.
The two of them remained as so for a while. Then, Mitsui pulled away and wiped his face. "Thank you for being here. I know you rather be anywhere but with me, but thank you."
"Who says I rather be anywhere but with you? I-" Mitsui cut her off by pressing his lips against hers in a passionate kiss. Aya and Mitsui felt a zang of electricity flow through them as their lips met. Not waiting the feeling to pass, they kept kissing till they were out of breath.
As Aya pulled away from Mitsui, she felt a whole range of feelings pass through her. Confusion flooded her mind as she stumbled away from him. "I'm sorry I have to go," she said softly, running out of the locker room.
Mitsui reached up and gently touched his lips where Aya's was just a second ago. "Are you crazy? She has a boyfriend and she does not like you in that way! So why did you kiss her?" his mind scolded him. "But what was that feeling? It was nothing that I have ever felt before. Could it be that.?"
Mitsui shook his head. "If she is the one, the one I am suppose to love for the rest of my life, why did she turn away from me?" his mind cried miserably as he sat there in silence, staring at the ground.
OH MY GOD!!! I can't believe I took 5 days to write this chapter. I am so sorry, minna-san!!! Please don't stop reviewing and I will try to post as soon as I can, okay?