- Chapter Four -

The inter-high games were fast approaching. I could feel so much pressure as the game schedules were read to us by Kogure.

"First game of the opening season: Shohoku Vs. Ryonan" Kogure read. "Its next week already. Saturday of next week" he continued.

Great. Sendoh's probably going to show off that's why he gave Ryu front row tickets.

"Listen guys, were not just going to compete for our school here. It's a matter of pride. Ryonan kicked our butts last practice game. Its time for revenge!" Akagi said

"And in Rukawa's case... He's going to be bitter rivals with Sendoh for fair Lady Ryu's heart!"

"Shut up do'aho!" I told Sakuragi. I tried to deny my feelings. But was I really that transparent that even a do'aho could tell if I'm in love or not?

We practiced. Very hard. We had too. I need to.

Days went by so fast that I hardly noticed that it was Friday already. The opening games will be tomorrow. Akagi didn't let us practice today because we should rest. But I visited the gym anyways. The schedule of the games is posted in the bulletin board.

There's going to be a game between the girls team. Kainan vs. Shohoku. But what the hell?! The game is in Kainan gym and it starts at 3pm. Our game starts at 4pm! Will Ryu make it in time before the second half begins? She has to be there. She just has to be there.

I was walking absent-mindedly when I passed by this restaurant where I saw a familiar long, black, shiny hair with azure highlights in it. When I turned around to take a look, I saw Ryu in her school uniform. And who's she with? SENDOH!!! Are they having a date? What is up with those two?!!

I was really puzzled. I didn't know what to do. If I didn't tell Ryu about my feelings, Sendoh might get her for his girlfriend. I can't let that happen.

I hurried home but I passed by her house. So I decided to wait for her under a sakura tree beside her house. I waited for 30 minutes. What's taking them so long?! 45 minutes, still no Ryu. I was about to give up when I saw two tall figures walking towards the house. Right. Sendoh with my Ryu. I decided to hide behind the sakura tree. I didn't want them to see me. Upon arriving at their gates, Ryu wished Sendoh goodluck.

"Goodluck Akira-kun in your game tomorrow. But I know my Shohoku Boys will beat you and your team" Ryu said jokingly

My Shohoku boys? Who was she talking about? And are they close enough to call each other by their first names?! The hell?!

"Your Shohoku Boys?" Sendoh asked

"Of course! Mitsui and Rukawa! They're unbeatable!" Ryu said with so much pride. My pride was of course boosted by what she said. She's proud of me. Wow.

I waited for another couple of minutes for Sendoh to be gone. And when he left, I showed myself to Ryu.

"Was he a nice company?" I asked Ryu as soon as I showed myself.

"Kaede!! You gave me a fright! What are you doing here?" Ryu asked

"Am I now banned to visit my bestfriend?" I asked her, rather feeling offended.

"No, of course not! I mean, why didn't you come inside?" She replied.

"I didn't want to chat for long. I just wanted to tell you something" I said. Feeling so nervous.

"Bring it on!" She said with enthusiasm

"You're going to watch the games tomorrow right? Here's a pass so that you can go to the dug out. Also, please, since you have front-row seats, please sit behind me." I asked praying that she'll say yes.

"Of course Kaede!!!" she said while giving me a tight hug. "Good luck with your game tomorrow! I know you can beat the crap outta Ryonan!" she said

"Yeah. We will" I replied while reciprocating her hug.

"Wanna come inside for dinner?" she asked

"Sure" I replied, very much looking forward to our meal.

After dinner, she gave me a red armband.

"I used to wear this when I was in Tomigaoka's Varsity when we were still in junior high. You can keep that. Maybe it'll be your lucky charm! Hehehe!!" she said. I happily accepted her armband. At nine o'clock, I went home.

THE NEXT DAY

Everything was so stressful. The opening ceremonies of the inter-high games already started. And maybe, Ryu and her team are halfway in their games. I hope they win against Kainan. I carefully put on the armband she gave me. Of course it'll be my lucky charm.

"Hey Rukawa! Do you know where Ryu is?" somebody asked. I was hoping that it won't be Sendoh. But to my dismay, its him.

"She's on a game against Kainan." I replied

"Oh, she didn't tell me that."

"...."

"Anyway, good luck man! Ryu was bragging about you and Mitsui yesterday. I really hope you've improved" he said and ran away. That do'aho. Of course we'll win against his Ryonan.

The games started already. No Ryu yet. Ryonan was leading. But thanks to Mitsui's three-pointers, we got even before the start of the second quarter.

"Okay, now that were even, we should maintain the tie or lead! We must do everything! This game is for the sake of our pride! Go Shohoku!!!" Akagi said trying to encourage the team. I mean, that's what a captain does right?

The second quarter started. And the game was tight. Sendoh was guarding me like hell. The do'aho is trying to show off even if Ryu isn't here yet. The game was tight. At the end of the first half, we were leading by 4 points. And we intend to maintain it. We went to the dug out, and I was surprise at the beautiful sight waiting for me.

"Ryu!" I exclaimed as I saw her, still wearing her "Shohoku #14" basketball uniform.

"Kaede! Right after the game, I hurried here to make it to the --"

Her sentence got cut off. Why? Because I hugged her tightly.

"Hey now!! Let's not get too emotional, it's still the halftime break. You still got 20minutes to play!" Ryu said as she returned my hug with hers.

"I made Ayako reserve the seat behind mine for you." I told her.

"Okay, I'll go there now. You rest well and good luck next quarter ok?" she said as she kissed me on the cheek. The energy that that kiss gave me was even more energizing than any other electrolyte drink or energy bar.

"uh, Ryu" I said

"Yeah?"

"Please stay even after the game is already over. I have something to tell you. Win or lose" I said

"Oh, ok! Good luck again!" she said as she gave me a lovely wink and then walked away.

Now, its not the game that's making me nervous anymore. Its her. And the thing that I want to tell her. And, I want to show off and be good because she's watching. Damn, I put on too much pressure on myself.

A/N: ok!! Its me again!!! It's the end of chapter four! Did you like it? Well, please review!! Hehe

Spills for next chapter: what will happen to the second half of the games? Will Shohoku maintain their lead and make it to victory? Or will Sendoh give the other 30 of his playing ability just to win? And will Kaede tell Ryu how he feels?? Tune in next episode! hehehe