Synopsis of Chapter 3: Shinobi tells Ayako about what happened in her past. Rukawa became conscious. But he's acting weird. What happened to him?

"Well, Rukawa's the only one who knows about this, but I guess, it'll be easier for me if you'll know." Shinobi started.

"Yes, go on, I'm listening."

"In America I once had a friend named Kenneth. We were always together. He's the only one I can tell about my problems. He's a very special person. When we were in 7th grade, both of us are in the school paper. One afternoon he was walking me home, it was a rather windy day, my report and interviews on the soccer team was flown by the wind."

FLASHBACK

"BEEEEEEP!" a car horned.

Just like what happened to Rukawa, Kenneth also jumped Shinobi out of the way. He was the one who got hit. Shinobi ran to his aid.

"Are you crazy?! Why did you do that?"

"If I didn't my conscience will haunt me forever."

"Don't you worry, I'll call an ambulance."

"…"

"Oh, great! Perfect timing to ran out of battery."

"It's ok… At least my death would be a heroic action."

"What are you talking about. You're not gonna die…"

"I've already accepted my death. It was really a wonderful life that I lived. Especially, from the day I met you."

"…"

"I've always wanted to tell you that…"

"Shh… don't speak…"

"No, I got to tell you this. I've fallen for you. I like you Shinobi."

END OF FLASHBACK

"Those were the last words that came out of his mouth. That's why I finished Jr. High here. I was escaping my past." She explained crying.

"Don't cry, I know that he'll be fine. He's a tough guy. He's gonna surpass this."

"I just can't stand seeing another friend die because of me."

"He chose to save you, even if his life depended on it. He really cares for you."

Shinobi smiled. "You always make me feel better. How do you do that?"

"You and Rukawa are like my brother and sister. If ever you need someone to talk to, Ayako ane-chan is here."

"Thanks. I have a lot of 'I owe yous' to pay."

"Don't mention it. I'm happy in what I'm doing."

Then a doctor came out of the ER.

"Doc, what happened? Is he alright?" Shinobi asked.

"Don't worry, his life is not in danger anymore."

"What will happened to him? Is he injured? Can he still play basketball?" Ayako asked.

"Ayako! Basketball is still in your mind right now?!"

"Shinobi, just imagine Rukawa if he can't play. I just want to know to let him be ready. Basketball is almost his life, you know."

"I know."

"The good news is he wasn't injured physically. But on the bad side, it was his head that got quite a damage."

"His head?"

"We'll just see what happens next when he becomes conscious. Right now he's in room 1433. Tell me immediately when he wakes up."

"Ok, thanks doc."

In Shohoku High Basketball Court/Gym the practice just finished.

"Akagi, why don't we go to KGH to see how Rukawa is doing?" Kogure asked.

"Yeah Akagi, why don't we. To admit it, Rukawa is really a big loss in our team." Mitsui added.

"Well, ok. Who else is coming?" Akagi asked.

"I'll go oni-chan!" Haruko said.

"I'll go too oni-sama!" Sakuragi said. Followed by a punch on the head. "Who are you calling oni-sama?!"

"I'll come too. I can't let Ayako be there alone." Miyagi said.

"So, the six of us will be going. Let's leave now." Akagi said.

And with that they head for Kanagawa General Hospital.

When they got there, they asked for Rukawa's room.

"Miss, may we know in what room is Mr. Rukawa Kaede staying?" Akagi asked.

The nurse looked up in the computer and said, "He's in room 1433."

"Thank you."

When they got there and opened the door, they saw a crying Shinobi, holding the hand of the unconscious Rukawa.

"Rukawa no baka! Why did you jump in the way of that car?! If only you used your head, this wouldn't have happened."

"You really can't blame him." Mitsui said.

She turned around, "Oh, it's you guys."

"We came here to see his condition." Kogure said

"Well, as you can see, he's still unconscious." Ayako said as she walked in with a food tray in her hand.

"Aya-chan" Miyagi blushed.

"Here you go Shinobi. You have to eat. Or you'll be confined here too."

She held Rukawa's hand more tightly and said,

"I didn't want this to happened. Rukawa, please be all right."

Then she felt that the hand she's holding returned the grip. And the owner is finally conscious.

"Rukawa… Oh, thank God you're awake." Shinobi cried.

"I'll call the doctor." Ayako said and then she went out of the room.

"I'll go with you Aya-chan." Miyagi said following her.

Rukawa rubbed his head, "Oh, my head… what happened? Why am I here?" He asked Shinobi.

She smiled "You're talking to me again. I'm so happy!" she said as she hugged him. And he hugged her back.

Haruko can't help feeling jealous.

"Of course I'm talking to you. You're my best friend." Rukawa replied, then he SMILED.

They were surprised at what they saw including Shinobi.

"Rukawa, are you alright?" Mitsui asked.

"I'm fine. Why did you suddenly ask sempai?"

Kogure touched his forehead as if checking his temperature. "He doesn't have a fever."

Then Ayako and Miyagi arrived with the doctor.

"If you guys don't mind, I need to talk to the patient. I'll also need the assistance of someone that knows him well."

"Shinobi, you should be the one. You're his best friend."

"Sure, I'm glad to be of service." Shinobi replied. The she signaled to them to go out of the room.

Rukawa, Shinobi, and the doctor began the tests.

"So Mr. Rukawa, what did you feel when you wake up?"

"My head aches a bit."

"Any other part of your body that's in pain?"

"None."

"I see. So, there's no physical damage."

"But is that possible? Being hit by a car and not being injured?" Shinobi asked.

"As I've told you, it's his head that needs to be tested." He turned to Rukawa

"Do you think you're under amnesia?"

"No, I remember every detail of my life."

"That's odd. Amnesia is the common result of accidents like this, if not physical injury." he thought for a moment,

"That must be it!"

AN: I'll end it here. Remember to RnR!!!