The day for the practice game had come.It was to be held in Ryonan's school basketball court.The Shohoku team was already was looking around to see a glimpse of that Sendoh.At last,he spotted him going to his team in his blue jersey.And there beside him was the loveliest girl he had ever seen in his life.That must be Kasumi!
Sakuragi:There's Kasumi now!Boy,I sure wish she was mine instead.
Rukawa eyed Sendoh heatedly.He was beginning to get jealous,but Kasumi must've forgot him by now.They were still kids the last time.But he wont give up.He had waited for her all his life,and he's determined to get her.What's worse,Sendoh was coming towards him,with Kasumi right behind him.He tried to control his fist so it wont go flying right into Sendoh's face.
Kasumi:Hey,are you Rukawa?
Rukawa:Y-yeah.
Kasumi:Remember me?I'm Kasumi!You know!Back then.
Rukawa:Oh.
Kasumi:What's the matter?
Sendoh:Dont mind much,Kas.He has a little problem expressing himself into words.Quite the silent type,I'd say.
Rukawa:(thinking)Asshole.
Kasumi:Really?You've changed but it was nice meeting you again,Kaede!
Rukawa nodded.Kasumi strolled over back to Ryonan's bench.Sendoh stayed behind so he could talk to Rukawa.
Sendoh:Hey,I'm expecting a great game from you.So,do your best and I'll do mine.
Sendoh extended his hand for a handshake.But Rukawa just stared at it,not making a move.Sendoh just shrugged and smiled.
Sendoh:I know you're hiding something.
Rukawa:I'm not.
Sendoh:You are.Are you nervous?Or are you.......jealous?
Rukawa tried to control himself especially his hands because he wanted to beat the life out of Sendoh right there and now!
Sendoh:Sorry.Didnt mean to actually say that.I know that you arent at all.See ya!
Rukawa didnt say anything.He just stared at Sendoh as he walked back to his team.The practice game was about to start.As he walked with his teamates to the center of the court,he saw Sendoh give a kiss to Kasumi right at her lips!It took quite a long time.But then he walked to the center of the court.He was so angry but then,Sendoh DOES have all the right to kiss Kasumi.After all,he is her boyfriend.But he......he has no right to prevent Sendoh from kissing Kasumi.What is he to her anyway?Just an acquaintance,because she had lost all the memory from their childhood.Heck,he didnt even spot her wearing the locket he gave her long ago.She mustve thrown it right into the trash can.He didnt hear the whistle blow and it was time to play ball.
Sakuragi:Hey,fox-face!!!!!The game's on!!!!!
He was brought to life and he ran to them to play.
Kasumi:Sendoh-kun!!!!Gambatte!!!(Good luck!)
Why does it always have to be Sendoh?It was Ryonan's ball and Sendoh was the one holding was guarding him.Sendoh smiled the way he always does.He passed the ball to his captain,Uozumi,blindly but Uozumi got the ball and he scored a shot.
Rukawa:(thinking)Damn you.
Kasumi:Nice one!
Sendoh:Thanks,Kas!
The interaction between the two was annoying Rukawa.It was obvious in Kasumi's eyes and the way she speaks that she truly loves Sendoh which might be a problem to him.Sendoh,on the other hand,could act very honey-sweet to Kasumi but he couldnt see the love in his eyes.Or maybe it was just his imagination.
The game continued on.Ryonan was leading and Rukawa cant concentrate.Sometimes he was busy looking at Kasumi or busy loathing Sendoh in his thoughts.But sadly,in the end,Shohoku lost the practice game with Ryonan.
Akagi:We may have lost,Uozumi but it was a great game.
Uozumi:Yes.We had a hard time winning too.
Sendoh ran towards Kasumi who was clapping her hands in excitement.
Kasumi:You did it!
Sendoh:Yeah,I did.
Kasumi:I'm so proud of you!You were great!
Sendoh smiled at her.Then,the two walked 's eyes were stuck on them.
Kaede Rukawa found himself doing the grocery in the nearby mart.His mother asked him to do it and she wasnt in a great mood,so he had no other choice but to do her orders.He was listening to his walkman,pushing his cart from aisle to aisle,but then he saw Kasumi.He almost lost control of the cart he was pushing.She was alone and she seems to be doing the grocery too.He summoned all his courage to walk up to her and say.....
Rukawa:Hi.
Kasumi:Oh hi,Rukawa!Gee,it's been such a long time!At first,I hardly noticed you!
Rukawa forced his lips to smile.He thought he saw Kasumi,dazed as she saw him smile and silent as if lost in a dream,but eventually she snapped back to reality.
Rukawa:Do you still sing?
Kasumi:Yes,but not always.I'm always busy assisting Sendoh in his every game that I hardly had time to sing anymore.I do miss the stage but I'm also glad to be with him.
Rukawa:So,where is the los-I mean,where is he anyway?
Kasumi:He's practicing in their school court.My mom happened to ask me to do the grocery so I cant accompany him.
Rukawa took a bottle of milk from the shelf.He saw a flyer under it.It says that there would be a singing contest in a very fancy hotel two nights from that day.
Rukawa:Look.
Kasumi:A singing contest?Oh,I would love to enter!!!!
But Kasumi then looked away.
Rukawa:What's wrong?
Kasumi:Sendoh told me that I have to go with him to some formal dinner so he could present me to his relatives.I guess the contest is off then.....and I really want to enter.
Rukawa:You cant let that sh-I mean,guy run your life?If you want to sing,why dont you go out there and try?I'll go with you.
Kasumi:That's so sweet.Maybe I could convince Sendoh to let me have my own way for once.
They paid for everything together at the counter.
Rukawa:Maybe you could come and see me practice sometime?
Kasumi:That would be great but I dont know about Sendoh....he says that you're his greatest rival.
Rukawa:Enough about what Sendoh wants.What about what you want?
Kasumi:Rukawa.
Rukawa:Oh sorry,I see you're uncomfortable with the subject.
Kasumi didnt say a word.They both walked on in silence.
Kasumi:So,I gotta go,Rukawa!I'll see you sometime!I hope you really do accompany me to the contest!
Rukawa:Count on it.
Kasumi waved watched her as she ran farther from him.
Note:
2nd continuation finished,minnasan!It's very unusual for Rukawa to fall for a girl who's not quite into basketball,but hey,love makes you do the impossible!I know,I know,I'm not a very creative writer.Boohoo!But I always strive to make myself better!Please do suggest who will Kasumi end up in the end!R&R please!Thanks!)