Disclaimer: Slam Dunk and its characters belong to Inoue Takehiko. The new characters I created in this fic belong to me.

Chalk and Cheese

Chapter Five: A Story of Love

"Bye, onii-chan!" Haruko cried out softly with her hand on the front door's knob; ready to leave.

"Going out with Mito again, Haruko?" her brother asked with a grim tone. "Are you sure about this, little sis? Are you sure he's the right guy for you?"

It was apparent that he was still cheesed off with her relationship with Mito Yohei, and that upset her.

"Onii-chan!" she burst out with slight annoyance. "When will you accept the fact that Yohei's now my boyfriend? He's a fine guy, and I'm happy with him!" she affirmed.

Akagi crossed his arms in front of his chest. "I don't know, Haruko," he started solemnly, "but I have a feeling that you've rushed into this relationship, and you might regret that sooner or later." He emphasized his opinion with a deep scowl.

"How could you say that? Do you think that I'm incapable of taking the right decisions when it comes to my private life? I'm not a child, onii-chan!" she retorted.

He sighed with impatience. His sister's tantrums were increasing in number since he had declared his condemnation of her relationship with that Mito. He didn't want to interfere with his little sister's private life and upset her like that, but he couldn't help it. He was just being a protective brother.

"Listen, little sister," he said in a serene tone, trying not to hurt her feelings anymore. "I just want to make sure that you won't get hurt."

"Don't worry, onii-chan," Haruko replied calmly. "I'll be fine. Yohei-kun is a sweet, kind person, and I feel secure with him. He'll never do anything to hurt me. Just give him a break, will you?" she pleaded softly.

"I didn't say that he's a bad guy. I just think that he might not be your type. Actually, I think that he is not your type at all. He is nothing but a gangster in the end!" Akagi said with a simmering tone. Shaking his head, he added, "I still don't understand! Why did you choose such an insignificant person like him? You barely know that guy. And besides, I don't like those bunch of idiots he hangs out with!" Akagi practically barked.

Haruko was wearing a sullen expression on her face now. "I would really appreciate it if you stop insulting Yohei-kun in front of me like that, you know. You've wrongfully prejudged him, and that hurts me so much!"

She turned away and opened the front door while saying in a sad voice, "You are being so unfair to Yohei-kun, onii-chan! If you really cared about me, you would at least try to accept him."

Before he could utter another word, Haruko had already left the house, slamming the door slightly behind her. Akagi heaved a bitter sigh, feeling gloomy.

Haruko's eyes went wide with surprise when she saw her friend Fuji standing at the doorstep. "Fuji!" she exclaimed. "How long have you been here?"

The shorthaired girl blushed with embarrassment. She stammered, "I'm sorry, Haruko-chan. I didn't mean to overhear your conversation with your brother. I was just about to ring the bell when I heard you arguing in the entrance. Your voices were kinda loud and…"

"It's alright, Fuji-chan," Haruko said with a feeble smile. "There's no need to explain. Takenori thought that I was going out with Yohei so we started to argue… I know that we were arguing too loud. Actually, we have been like this recently, I'm afraid." Her words ended in a dismal whisper.

The two friends strolled in the neighborhood. The troubled girl lowered her head with misery while opening her heart to her friend. "I don't know what's with him. It's just that… onii-chan doesn't seem to understand me anymore. He's always trying to convince me to break up with Yohei-kun ever since he had known about us. It frustrates me a lot, and he insists on troubling me with his speeches about me dating the wrong person."

Fuji kept silent for a moment before saying hesitantly, "I don't mean to upset you, Haruko, but maybe your brother is right."

Haruko looked at her friend with sheer shock, suddenly halting her steps. "What? Even you consider having Yohei as my boyfriend some kind of a crime, Fuji? Why?" Haruko almost choked, feeling both hurt and disappointed at her best friend's announcement.

"Please don't get mad at me, Haruko-chan!" Fuji pleaded.

With her fists shaking, the brunette said in a pained tone, "I just don't get it! Why does everyone seem to be against Mito-kun? What's wrong with him?"

"Don't misunderstand me, Haruko! Didn't say that I have something against him! I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings," the other girl stammered apologetically.

Haruko took a deep breath to calm down. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you like that," she apologized. "Let's just not bring up this issue again, ok? I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Alright then! Let's go to the mall," Fuji suggested, trying to look cheerful. "I think I'm going to buy that blue top we saw the other day. Or maybe instead…" Fuji's voice suddenly trailed off, and her eyes went wide with alarm.

Oh no… he's back… Fuji thought with panic.

Haruko raised her eyebrows with surprise at her companion, who was staring in a certain direction, open-mouthed. Haruko followed her friend's gaze. Fuji looked as shocked as if she had seen a monster… or…

"Rukawa…" Haruko breathed whisperingly, the color draining from her face the moment she clapped eyes on her old crush. Setting her eyes on him had always brought a deep sensation of glee to her heart. It never failed to make her stomach feel as though a hundred of tiny butterflies were flying around inside it. But that was in the past.

Things had changed since the day Rukawa had cruelly smashed her heart into tiny pieces, almost leaving her a helpless wreck.

Fuji felt sorry for her friend. She knew that Haruko's heart wounds were too deep to heal so soon. "Haruko… you okay?" she asked her softly. Fuji was certain that her companion will burst into tears any second. She started looking for some tissues in her pockets.

Amazingly, Haruko looked absolutely composed and managed a faint smile. "I'm fine. I've got over the whole thing. Yohei-kun is the guy I love now," she declared.

She then walked off; grabbing her confused friend's left wrist and urging her to move.

I hope it's true, for you're your own sake, Haruko… Fuji thought awkwardly.

This is driving me crazy! Mito shook his head exasperatingly, running his fingers through his black locks. Letting out a deep sigh, he decided he should stop thinking about the previous day's disastrous confrontation with Sakuragi. He had taken what happened very much to heart. Losing a close friend wasn't something he experienced everyday. The heavyhearted boy reclined on a couch and stared at the ceiling, sunk in depression. His only consolation was Haruko's love even though it was the source of his troubles with his former close buddy.

No, it's not my relationship with Haruko that caused our friendship to break up, Mito's mind cried out painfully, it's Sakuragi's selfishness! He couldn't stand the idea of Haruko choosing me over him. I know how crazy her he is about her, but I love her too! And most of all, she loves me back! Why can't he accept it? I know how hurt he is, but can't he at least try to understand?

Mito pondered again over his relationship with Haruko. Mito hadn't realized till recently, but he had always been taken with the girl. She was pretty, merry and most of all nice to everyone. He couldn't admit his attraction to Haruko, not even to himself, since she was his buddy's object of affection.

Day after day the infatuation developed subconsciously into fondness, and suddenly the boy found himself deep in love with Haruko Akagi. This critical discovery worried Mito badly. He would never sacrifice Sakuragi's friendship even if it meant he had to forget about Haruko. Much to his own surprise, he managed to hide his feelings and act around her like a normal friend and not like a love-struck man. However, these attempts failed miserably two weeks ago when he had in an emotional moment confessed his love to Haruko. Finding out that his feelings were mutual sent him over the moon, and starting a relationship with his beloved was the only thing he cared about then. When he later became conscious of the sequences if anyone found out that they were an item, it was too late to back down. There was only one solution to that complicated problem: keeping his relationship with Haruko in secret.

Mito's preoccupied mind was brought back to reality when he heard the door bell ringing. There wasn't anyone at home besides him at that moment. Guessing that it must be his gang, he decided to ignore it. They must've come to convince me of hanging out with them, he thought. Sorry guys, I know you're trying to cheer me up, but I still need some time to sort things out.

When the bell kept ringing persistently for a few minutes, Mito groaned irately. Why the hell can't they leave me alone? He got up reluctantly and shuffled his feet to the front door, wearing a sulky expression. His eyes went wide with surprise when he opened the door just to see familiar girl before him instead of his three friends. "Haruko?"

Haruko gasped when she saw the visible bruise on his face. "Yohei-kun! What happened to your face?" she asked concernedly. Frowning slightly, she said in a reproaching tone, "Picked another fight with thugs, Yohei-kun? You promised me not to get involved in troubles any more!"

The boy rubbed his still-sore jaw and replied, "Oh, no! … I just… err… slammed into a street lamp. Clumsy me!" He managed a nervous laugh and tried to change the subject by inviting his girlfriend inside. "Come in, Haruko-chan!"

"I was nearby shopping with Fuji, and I thought of visiting you since you didn't answer my phone calls yesterday," she said while stepping inside his house. She looked at him worriedly. "Are you alright, Yohei-kun? You don't look yourself today."

"I'm fine. I just have a bloody headache." He gave her a weary smile. The heavyhearted boy looked into his girlfriend's beautiful eyes, and suddenly he felt an urge to hold her close. He pulled Haruko gently into a hug and rested his chin on her head, letting her warmth against his body take away all of his depression.

Haruko was surprised at first then hugged him back. She could sense the pain that was overtaking him even though she didn't have the foggiest idea about what could have caused it. "Is something wrong, Yohei?" she asked softly.

He pulled back from the tight embrace and said in a composed voice, "Everything's just fine. I just wanted to hold you."

Haruko went red in the face while saying bashfully, "Err… you can hold me longer… if you want to."

Mito let out a chuckle before enfolding her in another affectionate embrace. Haruko stayed silent for a moment, relaxing easily into his embrace and rested her head on his chest. Mito had never failed to make her feel so secure ever since the day that changed a lot in the brunette's life.

Memories of that fateful day two months ago flooded her mind.

Flashback

"Are you sure you want to do this, Haruko?" her friend Fuji asked in an anxious tone. The two girls were having a chat over the phone for more than half an hour. "I still think it's not a good idea…"

"I have made up my mind. It's now or never," Haruko stated. She sounded slightly nervous herself. However, there was no chance she could back down. Her decision was final. "I won't be seeing him for some time when he joins the national junior team. I have to confront him now."

"I hate to say this but… there's a big chance Rukawa would turn you down, you know. If it happens, are you ready to live with it?"

"I'm ready, although I shiver at the though of being rejected…" Haruko replied in a trembling voice.

"See? It's not going to be easy at all. I know that he's the first guy you ever fell for. But you know that he's the coldest man on earth, for God's sake. His only interest in life is basketball. I have to be honest with you and tell you that he's going to reject your feelings. Knowing you, you would probably decide to become a nun and enter a convent!"

"I'm sick of admiring him from afar," Haruko sighed, ignoring the other girl's futile attempts of convincing her to reconsider this decision. "I know this will sound crazy but… I believe we somehow stand a chance."

There was an awkward silence for a moment. Haruko could tell that her friend was doubtful about any possibility of Haruko having a relationship with 'mister iceberg'.

"Fuji, you still there?"

"Yes, Haruko. I was just thinking… how about writing him a letter instead of confessing how you feel about him face-to-face?"

"Oh… you mean to write him a love letter? I don't want him to think of me as another silly fan."

"But at least confessing your admiration this way will be less painful, in case he rejects you I mean."

"Why are so pessimistic? You're talking about rejection all the time?"

"I'm sorry, Haruko-chan. I just can't help being realistic. But that doesn't mean I won't be supporting you."

"I know, Fuji. I know. You're my best friend ever," Haruko smiled. "I'll take your advice. But how can we make sure he'll read the letter instead of throwing it in the nearest trashcan? I see him doing it all the time when he finds fan mail in his locker."

There was another moment of uncomfortable quiet before the short-haired girl proposed rather hesitantly, "Erm… I think we can't be sure unless you give it him in person and urge him to read it. I don't think he'll refuse… hopefully."

"So what's the point in confessing my feelings on a paper if I am to confront him anyway?"

"Hmm… you're right. It's a ridiculous idea."

"Hey, I know!" Haruko exclaimed excitedly. "You will be the one to give him the letter!"

"M… me?" Fuji gasped. "No! I can't do it, Haruko-chan!"

"Why not? Just tell him it's from a friend of yours."

"But… but Haruko… I can't imagine myself approaching Rukawa! You know how much I fear that guy."

"Oh don't be ridiculous! Rukawa won't bite you."

"But…"

"Please, Fuji? For me?" Haruko pleaded.

"Oh alright," Fuji let out a resigned sigh, "if that'll please you."

---------------

"Umm… Rukawa-san?" Fuji called out timidly, moving toward the tall boy carefully. The latter was practicing alone in Shohoku's gym on his last day before joining the All Japan Youth Team. When he took a short break and stopped to catch his breath, Fuji found her chance. "Erm… can I talk to you, Rukawa-san?"

Fuji waited for him to acknowledge her presence. He didn't.

Either he didn't hear me or he's ignoring me, she thought nervously. She hesitated for a moment before taking her courage in both hands and stepped closer to him. "Rukawa-san," she called out again.

The towering boy had finally responded by eyeing the girl with his cold, piercing eyes. His gaze sent shivers down the timid girl's spine. The apparent awe she held for Rukawa gave him a feeling that she was about to faint.

Not another bothersome fan. Can't those girls leave me alone and get a life already?

He kept giving her those stern looks. He hoped she would freak out and run off, letting him carry on his training peacefully. Much to his annoyance, the girl handed him over an envelope with a shaky hand.

This is so embarrassing, thought Fuji tensely.

Oh crap. Another love letter. The ebony-haired boy squinted his eyes with annoyance.

"I didn't write this … it's from a friend of mine," she explained, blushing deeply when she noticed his silent but visible displeasure.

Rukawa didn't bat an eyelid. He merely watched the poor girl squirm. "She… she likes you so much. It's not just a shallow infatuation… and it's not just about your looks," she stuttered. I can't believe I am saying this!

Oh sure. I'm convinced. Rukawa almost snorted. If it's true, how come Akagi-sempai doesn't get any love letters? Nice trick, however.

"Will you read it?" Fuji gulped.

The nerve of this girl! If I don't take this goddam letter from her, she won't stop bugging me any soon. Rukawa gritted his teeth.

Fuji was about to heave a big sigh of relief when he took the letter from her, but she was astonished to see that he had opened the envelope at once. "Erm… you don't have to read it now…"

Haruko was watching the both of them anxiously through one of the gym's windows. Her heart pounded violently when her Prince Charming glanced at the first few sentence of her carefully-written letter. Oh God… he's reading it…

It took him less than ten seconds before he tore up the letter callously then crumpled the pieces up into a ball. Both girls gasped with sheer shock, while he tossed it in an indifferent manner.

"Tell your friend that I don't have time for this rubbish," he said uncaringly to a dazed Fuji. And get the hell out of here, he added inwardly.

Rubbish. He said her feelings were nothing for him but rubbish. Haruko's world seemed to be chattering while Rukawa's heartless words slowly sunk into her mind. She had been waiting for the moment of her love confession for so long, and she had never imagined such an appalling reaction from Rukawa. Not even in her nightmares.

"How… how cruel…" Haruko mumbled, her eyes blurring with hot tears that soon streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably. Torturing pain was building up in her chest, making her want to scream. It was too much to tolerate.

---------------

When she reached had the beach, she was extremely exhausted after all the running. She had run and run for what seemed like eternity until her feet couldn't take her any farther. The heartbroken girl finally fell flat on her front somewhere on the shore and buried her face in the warm sand, sobbing with untold pain. The only wish she had then was to disappear from the surface of earth forever.

Haruko flinched when she felt a gentle touch on her back. She tilted her head up to see that it was Mito Yohei.

"Haruko! What's the matter?" he exclaimed, deep concern in his eyes. "Why are you crying?"

She was too weary and hurt to utter a word. Haruko merely bit her lip to stop anymore sobs from escaping, raising her body into a sitting position.

"Are you hurt? What happened?" Mito demanded.

"Don't… just don't… please," Haruko choked, pleading him not to ask any questions.

"But you're crying," Mito said with a pained tone. Her heartrending state was tearing him apart. He put a hand on her shoulder but she shrugged him off.

"Please… leave me alone," she sniveled.

"No way! I'm not going anywhere!"

"Go! Leave me be!" she yelled hoarsely. She hugged her knees tightly to her chest and started sobbing again.

Mito couldn't stand watching her suffering like that. Patting her gently on the head, he cooed soothingly, "Easy, Haruko-san. It's gonna be ok."

Her sobs soon died down, and she was breathing more smoothly. "Sorry I yelled at you," she hiccupped, wiping her tears from her cheeks.

"Nah, it's alright," he smiled. "Feeling better?"

Haruko nodded. They looked at the horizon and realized it was already sunset.

"Beautiful," Mito said, marveling at the splendor of the view.

"Yes," Haruko said feebly, stretching her legs in front of her. Mito did the same and they were sitting beside each other, admiring this wonderful scene. The scorched red twilight seemed as if it was setting the sky on fire. The see was shimmering magnificently against the sun which was slowly fading in the horizon.

The blazing sun had faded into the nothingness, leaving the world in a sea of darkness.

"I'm such a fool," Haruko suddenly blurt out. Mito's attention shifted to her. "I'm a fool to think that I stood a chance with Rukawa," she said bitterly.

"So it's about Rukawa, eh?" Mito asked casually, trying hard to hide his jealousy.

Haruko shut her eyes and sighed dejectedly. "Why would he be interested in someone like me? I'm just a nobody," she mumbled despondently.

"That's not true, Haruko-san," Mito said sincerely.

"It is. He thinks what I feel for him is just rubbish. And don't ask me about the details."

"I won't. But what ever that asshole did or said to you to make you be feel sad, don't let it ruin your life. You're a fine girl, and there's nothing wrong with you. Rukawa is just a pig. Make it ten fat, ugly pigs."

Haruko couldn't help but laugh. Her laughs soon turned into weeps. Mito pulled her gently into a hug and let her cry on his shoulder.

"I'm… pathetic…" she hiccupped, wetting his shirt with her tears.

"You're not," he said softly, massaging her back with his hand. "You're a wonderful girl." In my eyes, you're the best, and shall always be.

End of Flashback

Suddenly, Mito broke the embrace and turned his gaze away from Haruko, murmuring guiltily, "No… it's not right at all…"

Haruko looked at him quizzically, and before she could ask him what was bothering him, he said bitterly, still avoiding her gaze, "I don't deserve you, Haruko-chan. I've taken advantage on you in your weakness and need for comfort. It's just not right… "

"Yohei!" Haruko exclaimed. "Why are you saying this?"

"Because it's the truth," Mito replied in pain, feeling angry with himself. "I feel that I've somehow cheated you. You were heartbroken and needed a shoulder to cry on... and I happened to be there. I confused you with my impulsive confession of love and…"

He was cut short when the girl before him put a finger on his lips. "Don't say anymore, please," she hushed him. "Listen to me carefully, Yohei," she started solemnly. Mito nodded involuntarily and she removed her finger. "You were there for me, and your comfort made me realize how much you cared about me. I learnt how to love you and get over Rukawa during those couple of months that brought us close together. When you told me two weeks ago that you loved me and I replied that I felt the same, I meant it. I love you with all my heart, and I'd never regret starting a relationship with you. I don't want to hear you again talking about having silly doubts about our relationship."

Mito was touched by her words. "Haruko…I'm sorry. I should have had more faith in our relationship." He kissed her forehead. "Want to go somewhere?"

"Let's go to the beach and watch the sunset," she smiled.

He smiled back and took her hand in his.

You've got to give a little, take a little
And let your poor heart break a little
That's the story of,
That's the glory of love

You've got to laugh a little, cry a little
Until the clouds roll by a little
That's the story of,
That's the glory of love

As long as there's the two of us
We've got the world and all its charms
And when the world is through with us
We've got each other's arms

You've got to win a little, lose a little
Yes, and always have the blues a little
That's the story of,
That's the glory of love

That's the story of,
That's the glory of love

(The Glory of Love) by 'Bette Midler'