Disclaimer: None of Slam Dunk characters or events came from me, but I love them nevertheless! However, Kimiko was drawn up by me, so she is solely mine!

Thanks for all the reviews!I sincerely hope you guys will continue to follow my story.

heart and dana, thanks for your encouragement!Pls continue to read and review!

Jen- I read the story u recommended, and wow, I hope mine will be as good! I already wrote this chap, but decided to add in 'Hisashi House' after I read your review to make it longer. I was going to bring in Mit.'s family in later chap, but realise it was probably more useful for plot development here, so its thks to u! Also, finally found someone tt cried at the manga!!!Me too.......I was touched by Mitsui, the Shoyo players when they lost, and when Sakuragi hurt his back at the end. Pls continue to read&review my story.

KoinoTenshi- Oops, no violence this chap but look out for Tae in future!-hint- ;p The reason why I don't want to reveal Mitsui and Kimiko's full r/ship all at once is because I feel that it will be too rushed, like forcing a big chunk of history down reader's throat. Taking it slow will hopefully make readers more appreciative of the bond they have.Pls continue to review.Btw your lastest chap was nice!

Feedback I also had was that Mitsui and Miyagi.......too confusing!Their english names are too similiar, so I'll be using 'Ryota' for Miyagi now on...



Chapter 2 – An Old friendship Rekindled

The two guys surrounding Kimiko turned. One of them blinked in surprised. "Mitsui Hisashi?"

Mitsui, after a moment's thought, recognized Tae, a small-time gangster who hung around Tetsuo occasionally. Although Mitsui had hung out with Tetsuo for over a year, Tae and Mitsui seldom met... and had not been the best of friends. He did not know the other guy.

"Let her go." Mitsui said, his voice deadly calm, not revealing what he felt.

"Why? She's your girl, Mitsui Hisashi?" Tae sneered, "How come I don't see you out with Tetsuo anymore... you turning into a mummy's boy?"

"Leave Tae, and bring your friend with you... I don't want to cause any trouble." Mitsui was taller, but there were two of them. However, Mitsui was a good fighter, and Tae knew it.

Mitsui's hands curled into fists as he looked at Kimiko's frightened face.

Laughter drifted up the street. A group of people was approaching. The two punks looked at the approaching group, than back at Mitsui.

Tae's eyes narrowed, and he thought quickly. "Take it easy man, we didn't know she's your friend. We'll leave now...I want no trouble with Tetsuo, you understand?"

More likely you don't want any witnesses.

Mitsui made sure the two punks were far away before turning to Kimiko.

"Mi...Mitsui-sempai..."

Aiii...how could she sound so formal? Like I was a stranger...instead of a friend who had just rescued her.

"What the hell did you think you are doing, staying out so late at night?"

"I was out shopping-"

"Shopping? Don't you have any idea of the time now?"

Kimiko felt her relief turning into irritation. Couldn't he show any concern for me? It is as if the whole thing was my fault.

"Hey, it was not as if I asked them to talk to me, so what's your problem? Anyway I did not ask you to help me."

"You calling me a busybody? If you had behaved like a good little girl instead of a little idiot, you'll already be safe at home – and I would not have to waste my time saving you."

Kimiko almost choked with disbelief.

"Good little girl?!" She said, her voice growing louder. "Don't you dare treat me like a kid... you of all people, Mitsui Hisashi!"

Properly riled up and angry now, Kimiko straightened unconsciously. With her right foot slightly forward, hands crossed at her chest, her face took on her characteristic 'Kimiko's sneer'. Her black eyes looked at Mitsui in distaste and her upper lip curled mockingly.

"All hail my hero Mitsui! Should I bow and worship you now?"

To both their surprise, Mitsui laughed. In fact, Mitsui was positively cheerful that he managed to make Kimiko angry. Actually, Kimiko seldom got angry, and irritating her used to be one of Mitsui's hobbies. He hadn't seen her sneer for a long time now, and that was what made him laugh.

Our first conversation in over a year... and look how it's turning out... but how nice to hear her speaking to me again, no matter what.

Mitsui looked down at Kimiko. Her large, black eyes stared up at him, now in confusion. Obviously, she thought Mitsui had lost his mind.

Without bothering to speak another word to him, Kimiko turned away and started heading back home. Home was about two streets away.

"Stop following me."

Mitsui tucked his hands into his pants, and ignored her. They both knew that Mitsui was practically her neighbor. "I know my presence is comforting after what happened, you don't have to thank me."

Kimiko sniffed loudly and increase her walking speed. There was silence the rest of the way home. She did not even bother to scold or look at Mitsui when he stopped next to her while she unlocked the gate.

"I'll walk with you to school tomorrow."

Kimiko was just stepping into her house. She paused when she heard Mitsui, and turned. "Why? ... Unless you think those guys will be coming back, which I highly doubt. No offense Mitsui-sempai, but you're always late for school." The last remark was said sarcastically.

She noticed I'm always late?

"Look Kimiko, I'll wake up on time. Look out for me tomorrow ok? Goodnight."

Without giving Kimiko a chance to reply, Mitsui turned for his own house... it was only around the corner, barely 5 minutes walk away.

Hisashi House

"I'm home, mom!"

Mitsui shucked off his shoes, and stepped into the living room.

"I left some soup for you son, it's still hot." Tomoe Hisashi came out of the kitchen at the sound of her son's return. Her eyes, as is her habit, looked up and down the body of her tall son.

Her son, however, did not take the scrutiny lightly. "If you are looking for bruises, I'm sorry but I was at basketball training, Mother." Mitsui felt the happiness he felt earlier on evaporate, replaced by the all-too familiar feelings of anger, exasperation and guilt. "Why can't you trust me for once? You went for one of my matches remember? You don't trust me, whether I tell you I'm studying, or training in school... I know I wasn't the best son, but why can't you just believe me for once? Am I to be judged always by my past mistakes?"

As his mother, Tomoe knew it took a big effort on Mitsui's part to say what he just said. He was not a person who revealed his inner thoughts easily. "Mitsui... it's not that I don't trust you. I... I just worry about you sometimes. Even 10 years down the road, you will still be my son. I hope that you know I will always be worried about you. I just want to know that my only son has returned home safely."

Still feeling slightly irritated, and now, rather ashamed for his outburst, Mitsui headed for his room. "I'll be down for soup after I shower."

Feeling his mood improve after a refreshing shower, Mitsui headed for the kitchen. His mom ladled the soup into the bowl. "Hmmm... it tastes great, mom."

Tomoe sat down opposite her son at the dining table. "Mitsui..." she began tentatively, "Your father will be coming home soon."

Mitsui paused in midst of demolishing his mom's soup. "Okay... that's great."

Reluctant to bring on any arguments again, Tomoe did not pursue the matter further, instead, she said, "It's been months since he was home. Hmmm, I will cook your father's favourite food, and your favourite spicy soup..."

Mitsui left his mom making grand plans on his father's return. He returned to his room and flopped down on the bed. No mood for homework tonight...

Instead, his head was crowded with thoughts about his father's return. He had mixed feelings about it. Of course I am happy than my father is finally returning from his long business trip but...Mitsui sighed and turned to lie on his side, facing the wall of his room. He stared at the poster on the wall and his thoughts turned to basketball. For how long more can I play the basketball that I love more than anything else?

He pushed unpleasant thoughts away. Well, I'll think about them as they come.

He focused on Kimiko, and the happy feeling he had while he was talking to her earlier on. At least I have something to look forward to tomorrow morning. Two months ago, I would never have dreamed of talking to her, much less walking her to school tomorrow.

Reminded of something, Mitsui got up to set his alarm clock... something that he almost never did. There, I should be able to wake up on time now.

Mitsui settled back onto the bed... but still, it was almost 1am before he actually fell into a restful sleep.

Next morning (yawn)

Before Kimiko stepped out of the gate to her house, she peeked to the left and right of the street outside her house. It was empty.

Kimiko smiled and shook her head. So much for waking up early.

She swung on her school bag and stepped out. Barely a few steps later, however, she heard a loud 'thud' behind her.

Mitsui was literally sprawled out on the pavement floor. Concerned, she rushed over. "Micchi, you clumsy oaf... are you ok?"

Mitsui groaned, straightened himself, and brushed the dirt off his clothes. The wind was knocked out of him, but otherwise, he was not hurt. "It's 'Micchi' again, is it? Does that mean you're no longer angry about last night?"

"N-no... your knee, it's ok?"

Mitsui nodded as he flexed his left leg. "It's healed now, you know... er, I was rushing after you when I tripped over my shoelaces." Mitsui's face turned red as he bend low again to tie his shoelaces.

Satisfied that he was unhurt, Kimiko turned and they headed for school.

"Mitsui- sempai-" she started.

"I'm still used to you calling me 'Micchi', Kimiko." Mitsui interrupted. During the past half-year, Sakuragi, Ryota, and even the Tough guys had taken to calling him 'Micchi'. He was never really comfortable with others using it, although he never told anyone the actual reason; Kimiko was the first who gave him that nickname, and he wanted to keep that bit of memory to himself which reminded him of the good times they had.

Kimiko looked up at the tall, brown-haired boy. "Micchi," she started again, "I just want to thank you for last night..."

He blushed again, and mumbled a "You're welcome". He never really knew how to react to praises or 'thank-yous'.

On the way to school, they chatted about the weather, the traffic on the roads, buildings they passed... everything but themselves. The topics 'Kimiko' and 'Mitsui' were not broached.

Nevertheless, both felt strangely content. It was already autumn now, but they felt like spring was near... spring always bought a feeling of new-ness, of rejuvenation or even... even a new start in a friendship.

It's a good day, Mitsui thought. A friendship, which he thought was lost, had been found again.

So what do you guys think? More on the problems Mitsui is facing, with that short sneak into his family. More through Kimiko's POV later on...so far I haven't really develop her character fully yet, but I would like to hear what you think of her so far. More will be revealed about the extent of their r/ship...be patient please!haha. pls review so I will have more courage to plod on ;p

Next up, Rukawa's return. More on Shohoku bball club and other character's POV. Sakuragi making an appearance soon???hmmm. --goes back brainstorming--