Disclaimer: I don't own Slam Dunk

Legend: Interlude ………..0000000000……….

Author's note:Hey guys!!! The much-awaited continuation of I love you, I don't is finally here. This is my Christmas gift for my beloved HanaRu! This is for killer-of-wills. Since you're my favorite flame reviewer, I'm giving you a chance right now to close this window or click the back button I don't think you'll like this fic. If you decided to continue, it will be your own personal choice to waste your time. This message also goes out to bet you love that and anne drew. To the rest, I hope you'll enjoy. And please leave a review, I would be happy to hear from you, be it a flame review or otherwise. LONG LIVE YAOI! -tensai di-chan

"Where had it all gone wrong?" Hanamichi muttered to himself dejectedly. It was a lonely Monday night. For the past three years up until now, Hanamichi still doesn't understand Rukawa's reason for leaving him. Every night for the last three years, Hanamichi keep on asking himself this very question.

"We had the whole world, Kaede. Why did you just throw it away just like that?" a solitary tear slowly brushed Hanamichi's cheek. "I was wrong to have loved you, Kaede. Kami-sama, help me forget him. It's time for me to move on," whispering his prayer that night, Hanamichi turned to his side to sleep.

………….0000000000000……………

Thursday morning

Tokyo Thundercats home gym

"Listen everybody! I have some important news." Coach Kurusato announced to the whole Thundercats team during warm up.

"Mr, Kenji Sukogawa decided to sell our team."

"What???" surprised questions erupted from the team.

"Mr. Sukogawa decided to sell the team. Apparently, the company who owns this team is losing money over the years. New contracts will be signed on Saturday morning. The buyer requested your presence on Saturday at 9 a.m. at Sukogawa's office. Rules and regulations will also be read prior to the signing of the contract." coach Kurusato explained.

"Dress accordingly. I don't want to be humiliated," he added. "Is that clear? All right. Back to practice!!!"

………0000000000………….

Saturday morning

Sukogawa's office

8:55 a.m.

"Are they on their way up?" Rukawa anxiously asked Kenji.

"Huh? Why are you so nervous about?" Kenji asked back. "If you must know, they should be on the elevator.

"Shit, I'm nervous." Kaede whispered to himself.

"What did you say?"

"Huh, nothing."

They heard a knock on the door.

Shit. He's here.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

"Ohayou Gozaimasu, Mr. Sukogawa." Coach Kurusato greeted the owner, which is seated at the business table. "Here are the current team members. Hey, you lot! Enter the office! Uh, gomen nasai for shouting."

"Arigato, Kurusato-san. Minna-san! I am very sad to be parting ways with you, but I have no choice. There may come a time when I can no longer support this team. However, I am also very pleased to leave this beloved team of mine to the very capable hands of my newfound friend, Rukawa Kaede. Please welcome him!"

Murmurs of greetings came from the team.

"Ah, Kaede-san, let me introduce you to the current star player of the Tokyo Thundercats. Where is Sakuragi Hanamichi, Kurusato-san?" Kenji asked the coach while looking around for the certain redhead.

"Sakuragi-san? Um, now that you have mentioned it, I haven't noticed him arrived.

"Where is he anyway?"

"He must be late again. That baka." coach Kurusato sighed wearily.

A couple of minutes later, scampering feet and heavy breathing issued from the door.

Knock. Knock. Without waiting for an answer. Hanamichi pried the door open.

"Guys!!! Nyahahahaha!!! The tensai has arrived. No need to worry." Hanamichi strikes his tensai's pose. "Uh, sorry I'm late."

'He never changes.' Rukawa whispered to himself.

"Aah! No need to apologize." Kenji led Hanamichi for the table. "Please meet the future owner of your team, Mr. Rukawa Kaede." gleefully did Kenji smack Hanamichi and Kaede's shoulders.

For a moment, Hanamichi's world stopped revolving. His body turned cold. Here he is in front of him, and all the aching and painful memories rushed past his mind. But they remained memories. Something in him changed. He no longer spite Rukawa for what he has done. He was feeling wonderful because he returned to him, somehow. He had kept his promise.

"Um, hello." he said flatly, swallowing his anxiety.

"Hello." Kaede too said flatly.

"Well! Now that the proper introduction has been made. Let us proceed to the agenda. All of you please take your designated seats." Kenji started the meeting.

"In front of you is the contract made by Rukawa Kaede himself. If all of you will sign it, Rukawa will also sign the contract stating his ownership of the company. Don't worry, I've checked it myself and all seemed to be in order."

All of the members started reading the contract, after about 15 minutes of checking and re-checking, all also started scribbling their signatures on it. All except for one signed.

"No." Hanamichi started to stand up.

"What do you mean no?" Kenji asked, totally surprised.

"The thing is sir, I've been planning to resign from the team after my last contract is up." Hanamichi explained.

"What??" Kenji exclaimed. "I can't believe this. I thought you liked being on the team."

"Well, I think its time for a change. I'm truly sorry." Hanamichi quickly walked out the door.

At this, Kaede's face fell. Swallowing the bitter taste that formed at his throat, Kaede turned to Kenji. "Kenji, I'm also sorry. Looks like I won't be buying your company."

"What? Don't do this to me Kaede-san. Without you or my star player, this whole company will go down the drain."

"I'm very sorry. I made a mistake." with that Kaede turned towards the door.