Nightfall Keeps Our Secret Alive

Summary: Rukawa's attraction towards Mitsui started with a single kiss that will leave a crack from his perfect relationship with Sendoh. How will it end?

Disclaimer: SD for the umpteenth time will never be mine. And please don't sue me! I don't have money…

A/N: Yes, this is the final chapter. Read and review, thank you. And to MitRu and SenRu fans: DON'T KILL ME FOR THE ENDING! T T Sorry if it still contains errors…


Chapter 3

"I'm sorry."

Rukawa stood facing Sendoh Akira's back. He knew that Sendoh was already boiling with rage and he was just trying to keep his composure at bay.

"Akira…"

"Don't even come near me." Sendoh retorted when he felt his lover move towards him.

Rukawa stopped in his tracks. He didn't want to argue with his lover, there is no need. He was the culprit. And he deserved this.

"Since when?" Sendoh asked, loathing evident in his voice.

Rukawa didn't answer.

"I SAID SINCE WHEN!" Sendoh shouted, turning to face Rukawa.

"A month ago." Rukawa said as if he was only being asked of his name. Sendoh stared at him incredulously, fury present in his face. He clenched his fists, trying his best not to hit Rukawa.

"A month ago?" Sendoh asked softly. "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!"

"I'm sorry, Akira." Rukawa said as he stared at his lover across the room.

"Sorry, Kaede?" Sendoh said sarcastically. "You don't even look sorry."

"What have I done to you?" Sendoh said, his body already shaking with anger. He raked his hair roughly, pacing a side of the room with long strides. Sendoh didn't believe this was happening. But deep inside he knew this was all true. He was in grievous denial.

"Did you… did you made love to him?" Sendoh asked what he totally feared. Please, please say no.

Upon hearing no answer from Rukawa, Sendoh looked towards Rukawa's face skeptically. He was wishing with all his life that Rukawa's answer would be no. But he nearly cried with disdain when he saw Rukawa staring at him with eyes presenting his answer proudly, piercing through his soul. Yes! Yes Akira, yes! I made love to him many times!

"You bastard…" Sendoh said scathingly. His body was already seething with rage and jealousy. He was Rukawa Kaede's lover— his first lover. And yet his lover gave himself to another man. Rukawa gave his untouched body to Mitsui Hisashi. He—Rukawa's lover—should have the right to do that. But he lost to another man. He lost Rukawa, his lover, and his first love. Sendoh—at that moment—-wished to put a bullet through his head and he wanted it badly.

"Akira, I'm sorry." Rukawa said. It was all he could say to his miserable lover.

"Your sorry would do nothing." Sendoh wanted to shout those words at his lover who didn't even looked guilty or sorry for what he had done. How he hated Rukawa's indifference.

The room grew quiet for a moment, silence arising.

"Go home." Sendoh said without looking at Rukawa.

No answer.

"Rukawa, I said go home."

Rukawa turned around and went for the door but before he went out, he looked at Sendoh silently. I'm sorry.

Hearing the door click shut, Sendoh's knees gave up on him, making him kneel heavily down the floor. His body didn't stopped shaking and he couldn't control his tears from spilling down his cheeks. He was shattered. He wished he didn't know Rukawa Kaede or Mitsui Hisashi or the Shohoku basketball team. He wished to be alone. How could you, Kaede? How could you?

Three days. It has been three days since he confronted Rukawa. He didn't go to school for three days either or he might displace his anger towards other people. So he stayed home, thinking of how Rukawa Kaede and Mitsui Hisashi betrayed him. Is Rukawa his life? Yes, Rukawa Kaede is his life. And his life was just ruined.

He looked at the clock: ten fifty-five in the morning. Everything looked normal around him. Good and sultry summer weather, children going to school, life goes on for everyone. Except me.

He moved away from the bed and stood towards the windows, admiring the view from his flat with little interest. Kaede…

Just then, the door of his room opened and he saw the person whom he loved still, despite what he had done. He stared at Rukawa, half-dreading and half glad to see the boy again. Without hesitation, Rukawa walked towards him and pulled him into an embrace. Sendoh was startled when he felt Rukawa's arms around him. It's been so long since he felt his lover's touch and it felt good—really good—to feel Rukawa Kaede back in his arms again.

"Akira…" Rukawa said softly. "I'm sorry."

Sendoh felt Rukawa said those words with utmost sincerity. And he wanted him back again. He wrapped his arms around Rukawa tightly, never wanting to let him go.

"Kaede…" Sendoh said, his voice already quivering. "I need you. Don't… don't leave me."

"I won't Akira." Rukawa said as he placed his head on Sendoh shoulder, reassuring him of what he said is true.

"I love you, Kaede." Sendoh said, tears already beading in his eyes and he let it fall. "God, I love you so much."

"I love you, too." Rukawa replied calmly. Hearing himself say those words was like hearing another person say it. And it sounded hollow and emotionless. Why? Slowly, Rukawa turned to face Sendoh and kissed him as if renouncing his love for him again. Sendoh accepted the kiss and answered back more passionately.

"Kaede..."

"Shhh... don't talk." Rukawa whispered as he cupped Sendoh's face before kissing him again. "Just love me."

A month passed and everything—as usual—was normal. Basketball practices were still held after class and everybody is in high spirits as always.

"Okay! Let's start!" Akagi roared as they started the practice game with the seniors and juniors against freshmen.

Sakuragi who was already mastering his skills in shooting made a perfect jumpshot. "Yeah! Nyahahahahaahahahaha! See that Rukawa? Bet you can't do that because you're not a tensai like me!"

Another boisterous laughter from a red head.

"Do'ahou"

"Nani? Why you little—"

WHACK!

Everybody laughed at the usual scenario of Akagi berating Sakuragi. Soon after, they resumed the game with the seniors winning by three points. Thanks to Mitsui.

"Mitchy! You shouldn't have done that!"

Mitsui only laughed at the redhead's soon initiating tantrum. "Maybe next time, Sakuragi the freshmen will win."

"Hmph!" Sakuragi snorted as he walked away.

Mitsui laughed again. Sakuragi was getting better and better everyday and soon enough he will surpass even Akagi.

"Sempai."

Mitsui's thoughts came to a halt when someone called him. And he knew by heart to whose voice it belongs.

"Hey." Mitsui turned around to face the person that he kissed and made love to many times. And that was all in the past.

"One-on-one?" Rukawa asked as he held the ball to Mitsui.

Mitsui gave a smile as an answer and positioned himself with his back against the basket, facing Rukawa.

"Come on then." Mitsui challenged as he put up his guard. Everything seems as if nothing happened. Rukawa treated him like anyone else. And he treated Rukawa like anyone else.

"Hn." Rukawa dribbled the ball as he stood there facing his sempai. He still could feel that certain sensation whenever Mitsui stares at him. He wanted to embrace his sempai and kiss him and tell him how much he missed him. But that would never happen. He was back with Sendoh and he wanted to start with his lover again.

Rukawa took a step forward but Mitsui didn't moved. Rukawa smiled inwardly at that. Temptation still lingers in the air but he could never do the same mistake again. He looked at Mitsui's blue eyes and for a moment, everything seemed to rewind. Back towards when he was still able to kiss that handsome face and those lips which renders him weak with desire. That look Mitsui was giving him was the same look Mitsui gave him whenever they made love. Straightforward, emotions leaving no space for doubt, and love that Mitsui could only give.

Sempai, I'll always be yours.

Another one of those looks added with a beautiful reassuring smile.

Rukawa's lips curved into a small rare smile—a smile Mitsui only sees.

The Fates never betrayed us, sempai. When the sun sets you and I will meet again and we'll find ourselves back into each other's arms. I can't wait to feel your lips upon me once more. No one will stop us, sempai. No one can. Nightfall has kept her word and she'll forever keep our secret alive.

Can you hear it, sempai? The night is already calling us.

Mitsui moved as Rukawa advances towards the basket, aiming for a shot.

I can hear it, Kaede.

Sing me no songs of daylight

For the sun is the enemy of lovers

Sing instead of shadows and darkness,

And memories of midnight

Sappho

END

A/N: Alas! Tapos na! Well, Rukawa's all that mushy but why not? Liked the story? Bet you didn't. So please! Don't kill me for the stupid ending. Well, Rukawa's with Sendoh but his heart's with his sempai. Kaya patas ang laban. O mas lamang si Mitsui? Mas lamang! Mwhahahahahahahahahaha! XP

Yes, please do REVIEW and tell me how stupid my story was—this is not a self-deprecating act. Told you that high expectations will lead to disappointment….

I also want to thank all those who reviewed—Night Strider, Kaesaku, coffeemaverick, hagane, arashi, mata, ruji, Pluto-mint, ariark, flipjeudi, the diggler and mistress KC and to those who will review the last chapter, thank you in advance!