Synopsis of Chapter 2: Rukawa helps Shinobi get away from her past. And they became friends and get to know each other.

During their lunch break Rukawa was avoiding all his fans and he decided to go to the rooftop. When he got there, a girl was standing looking in the endless sky. He ignores her and went to a shady spot to sleep.

Before he could lie down, "Oh, I didn't notice that you came in." Shinobi said while wiping something out of her face.

"It seems that she cried. Why would she cry? And why do I care?" Rukawa thought.

"I better go, I heard that you don't like being disturbed in your sleep hours." Shinobi said as she walks towards the door.

"Why were you crying?" Rukawa suddenly asked.

"Huh? Me, crying? Oh no, I wasn't crying." She replied.

"What's with him? Why did he ask?" she thought.

"What's with me? Why did I ask?" he thought.

"Whatever problem you have this time, don't run away from it. Face it with courage. You're a strong woman, I know you can get over it." He said.

"I'm not as strong as you think." She murmured.

"Pardon?"

"Oh, I said Thanks for the advice. But it's just hard to say goodbye." She replied preventing herself from crying.

"Goodbye to whom?" Rukawa wondered. He was suddenly intrigued by her answer.

"You know, I'm not a guy that talk much, but I assure you that I'm a good listener. You can tell me whatever struggle you're facing."

"Thanks for your concern Rukawa, but I think I'm disturbing your sleep." She replied.

"Oh don't worry about that. I slept fine in our English class awhile ago."

" laughed Are you sure, you really want to know my problem?"

"Rukawa forget your pride. You know, you want to help her." He ordered himself in his mind

"Of course. You know, to be honest, you're the first girl I've noticed. Well, except for our team manager Ayako. And every time I see you I want to talk to you. And I think now is a good chance. I want us to be friends."

"Really? You mean what you said?"

Rukawa nodded.

"Well, ok I'll tell you. I can feel that you can be trusted. ... ...I'm responsible for the death of a friend back in America. That's why I came here. You know, to forget and to move on. But I can't, the past keeps haunting me. And I'm afraid of the future."

"In what way is it haunting you? And why are you afraid of the future?"

"I always dream of him. All of our fun times together, how we learned our own styles of Kung Fu and how we used to have friendly match to test our skill. About the future, since that incident, the thought that all of my friends will experience the same fate he encountered was stuck on my head. I don't want to get hurt anymore."

"That's why you locked yourself in your past?"

"How can I forget someone that I always dream of?"

"You don't need to forget him, you just need to accept his death. And a new friend is the one who can help you."

"You mean like yourself?"

"Well, yes."

"I know that I need to move on. But are you willing to take the risk of being my friend and help me get over my horrible past?"

"Sure."

"Rukawa, thanks. I really appreciate your help. And you were right. You are a terrific listener."

With Rukawa's words, Shinobi learned to forget about her dark past. Every lunch they were seen in the rooftop talking to each other. Some girls get jealous of Shinobi because Rukawa always spends time with her. It was again lunch time, Rukawa and Shinobi are in their favorite place.

"It has been a while since we you've helped me get over my situation. We always talk about the things we like to do. Yours is basketball and mine is Kung Fu, but we don't really know that much about each other. I suggest we go to getting to know today?"

"Ok, I'm cool with that."

"Let's start with basics. What is your age, birthday, height, birthplace and status in your family.

"I'm 12 years old, born Jan. 1st, I stand 179cm, I was born here in Kanagawa, both of my parents are working overseas and I'm an only child. How 'bout you?"

"I'm also 12 years old, born July 16th, I stand 173cm, I was born in New York City, like you both of my parents are also working overseas and I'm also an only child. What's your favorite sport, color, music, musical instrument, place to be, food, talents?"

"I play basketball, I like the color blue, I'm not picky with music I like different kinds of music. I play the drums, don't tell anyone. I like going here on the rooftop of the school and any basketball court where I can play, I'm also not picky in food, and talents... hm... I guess playing basketball. And you?"

"As you know, I've studied an ancient Kung Fu for women called Maiden Sautra. I also like shades of blue, I listen to RnB and j-pop, and I play the electric guitar. I love being by the seashore; I like Japanese food and talents... well, I can sing."

"Really? Can you give me a sample?"

"I prefer not to, maybe next time."

"Ok. I'm not gonna force you. But tell me, what has gotten into your mind and you suddenly wanted us to know each other?"

"Well, I do that to my friends. I know lunch is almost finished but could I ask you to describe me? I also ask that to my friends. Please..."

"Well ok. You're really very sweet and also thoughtful-that's the positive. Maybe you're strong physically but not emotionally-that's the negative."

She was silent.

"What? Did I say anything wrong?"

"No. You're the first one to give me that kind of answer. I was just surprised."

"But it's the truth."

"I know, the truth. Now, I'm gonna describe you. You are tall, NOT dark, but handsome giggles . You're a totally different person inside the opposite of the cold and expressionless face you have."

"I only talk to those I'm comfortable with."

Shinobi just smiled. Now she knows what Rukawa thinks of her and Rukawa knows what she thinks of him. Theirs is a friendship without any secrets.

AN: Honestly, I don't like the part where they were getting to know the basics about each other. I just can't think of any other topics for them to talk about. I mean, one likes basketball and the other is into Kung Fu. What can they talk about? I know, you can tell me! I suck at this!!! I just can't explain myself well in English, I don't know Japanese, how will you understand what I'm trying to say? But if you speak Tagalog (sa mga pinoy dyan!) I'll be happy to talk to you!

AN: I know Rukawa doesn't talk much, but let's just say that he wasn't such a snoot. I'll have a reason why he changed in High School! Sorry for the OOCness, oh and one more thing, if you think that being friends for quite some time and not know about each other is impossible, I say it's not. I was once in a situation like that!