Disclaimer: I don't own Slam Dunk... If I did... then, Miyagi will be mine, mine MINE! ahehehe
Thatnks for all those who reviewed... Ironduke-well, with regards to Aya-chan's reaction, well.. there is a part that indicates her confusion and jealousy... But not that much since Miyu-chan means a lot more to her than Ryota-kun...; Blissful sin-hiyee siz... sowee for the long update... ahehehe.. connection probs and Ragnarok comeback mode... ahehehe... Gomen nasai!
Chapter 7
Miyuki paced back and forth in her living room. She is dressed in her school uniform and is all ready for school. But it seems that her mind is debating whether she will go to school or not. She sat in the couch and began to think.
Compose yourself, Miyuki! You've been absent for a week now. Everything is already settled between you and Ryota-kun. And you promised two days ago that you'd come to school as soon as you're okay. And Mitsui-sempai will surely call you up later with his usual nagging! Miyuki thought to herself.
As much as she wanted to go to school, something was keeping her from doing so. She'll just be depressed when she sees Miyagi. She might not be able to hide away her emotions. And she was certain that Ayako is not convinced that she told her every reason why she tried to kill herself. She glanced at the clock. She's going to be late if she doesn't head off at once. Miyagi already went to school ahead of her.
You promised that you'd come to school today. Mitsui and Aya-chan will not be happy if I tell him you're absent again. Miyagi said to her earlier.
She took a deep breath. She didn't even have the guts to look straight at Miyagi anymore. It seems she's having trouble hiding her emotions from him. It's really ironic that in spite of the genius that she is, she had become completely foolish. Miyuki's thinking was cut short when she heard the doorbell.
Now who could that be? It must be Aya-chan. Miyuki thought as she stood up and opened the door. She saw Mitsui who greeted her a big hello.
"Sempai? What brings you here?" Miyuki said with a surprised look.
"Well then, I'm glad you're planning to go to school today." Mitsui said as he looked at her school uniform and smiled. "We're going to be late if we don't hurry. You are planning to go to school, right?" Mitsui added.
"Uhm, yeah I do. Wait a sec, I'll just get my keys." Miyuki said as she ran upstairs to get her key. Shortly, she was on her way to school with Mitsui walking casually beside her. The two were silent as they walked toward Shohoku High.
Miyuki broke the silence as she looked at Mitsui. "Anou, sempai.. I.. I've made up my mind. I'm going to tell Aya-chan to admit her feelings for Ryota-kun" she said as she looked away. "Ryota-kun likes Aya-chan so much. Even though it's hard for me… I.. I have to forget I even liked him. He's going to be very happy if Aya-chan admits her feelings for him." She added.
Mitsui looked at her with sadness in his eyes. He looked away as he tried to think of something to say. "Are you sure you can handle seeing them together? I mean, love is not only sunshine and butterflies you know. In this stage, it's utterly bitter. Sad to say, it's not going to be easy to move on."
"I'm aware of that. I'll just have to compose myself.. Maybe preoccupy my mind with something that matters." Miyuki said gloomily. " But if that's what it takes to make Ryota-kun and Aya-chan happy, I.. I'm willing to do it."
Mitsui grew silent for a while. He can actually feel Miyuki's despair. Why can't she just notice that he's just beside her and that he's not happy seeing Miyuki sulk over Miyagi? They entered Shohoku High and walked to their locker. They happened to meet Ayako on the way.
"Miyu-chan! I'm glad you decided to come to school at last!" Ayako said cheerfully.
"Well, I was planning not to, but sempai went to my house and dragged me all the way out here." Miyuki said as she smiled.
"Okay, so it was my fault! But I had to do it so that you won't have shallow excuses to absent for the day." Mitsui said as he placed his hand at the back of his head.
The morning bell rang. Ayako and Miyuki hurried to their classroom and settled there. While waiting for their first period teacher, Miyuki was silent. She tried her best not to look at Miyagi who was busy talking to his seatmate. Ayako noticed it and felt uneasy. I wonder what's up with Miyu-chan? Ayako thought. Their class president entered the class and announced that their teacher is in the clinic.
"We're going to have free time everyone!" the president announced as everyone cheered and went back to chatting with each other. Miyuki felt disappointed. Having the teacher around means that she can concentrate on more important things. She got a book from her desk and began to read. Ayako looked at her with a worried look. She's trying to preoccupy her mind with something. She thought.
Ayako tore a piece of paper out of her notebook and scribbled some notes in it. She folded it and passed it to Miyuki. "Read it." Ayako said with a smile. Miyuki smiled as she opened Ayako's note. Ayako went back to her daydreaming.
Hey, Miyu-chan. I missed your presence around here… Anyway, I'm glad Mitsui-sempai finally managed to drag you here. Are you fond camp-outs? You see, the team is having a camp out tomorrow. I was wondering maybe you'd like to join us. It's going to be fun.. Please say yes… -Ayako
Miyuki smiled as she placed the note on her desk. She looked at Ayako who was talking to their class president near the door. Oh well, maybe a camp-out will do me good. Miyuki said as she sighed. She then noticed Miyagi approaching her. Oh great! Just when I need to stay away from Ryota-kun for a while… Miyuki thought.
"Hey there! Been a while Miyu-chan!" Miyagi greeted as he smiled. Miyuki nodded as she kept the note in one of the pages of her book.
"So, are you planning to join us tomorrow? Aya-chan and Haruko-chan will join us too.." Miyagi said with a grin on his face.
"Well, I have to think about it…" Miyuki said as she sighed.
"Come on! I know Aya-chan already invited you. At least you can unwind for a couple of days. It'll get rid of those weird thoughts you always think!" Miyagi said as he pleaded. "Onegaishimas…"
Miyuki rolled her eyes and sighed. "Oh well, I can't turn down Aya-chan's invitation too.. Okay, I'll go.." she said with a smile.
"Great! We'll meet at the gym at 8 a.m. tomorrow, okay?" Miyagi exclaimed as he stood up.
"Alright! Alright!" Miyuki said as she smiled. Miyagi then went back to his seat and chatted with his seatmate.
After classes, Miyuki walked by herself towards her locker. Miyagi and Ayako went ahead of her to the gym. She placed her books inside her locker. She leaned in one of the lockers and waited for someone. After a while, Mitsui came and approached her.
"Hey, I'm glad you actually waited for me here." Mitsui said with a smile. Miyuki smiled as she stood up and waited for Mitsui who was placing his books on his locker. The two walked casually towards the gym. The two separated ways as Miyuki seated beside Ayako while Mitsui did some warm-up exercises.
"Hey, Ryota-kun said you'd join us this Saturday. That's awesome!" Ayako said cheerfully.
"Yeah well, a little break won't do me any harm, right?" Miyuki said as she smiled back at Ayako. Ayako went to talk to Coach Anzai.
Miyuki was getting bored since the team is not having practice games today. She stood up and approached Ayako. "Aya-chan.. I'll be waiting for you outside." Ayako nodded as she watched Miyuki walk out of the gym.
She seated a tree near the gym exit and opened her book. I haven't had this peace and quiet for a long time. However, all this peace is really boring. She thought as she watched the leaves fall to the ground. She noticed a ball rolling toward her. Hm, what is this doing out here? Miyuki thought as she picked it up and looked around. She then saw a familiar figure approaching her slowly. She can tell that it is a guy but she can figure out the face because of the sunlight. He stopped in front of her and looked down on her with cold, stern eyes. Miyuki stood up and looked up to him.
"Rukawa-kun, what are you doing out here? They're having an orientation about tomorrow's camp-out." Miyuki said as she handed him the ball.
"Arigato" Rukawa murmured as he watched Miyuki walk around. "Why aren't you in the gym?"
Miyuki looked at him for a while. "I have personal reasons." She whispered. "Better go now, Rukawa-kun." She added. Rukawa nodded as he walked away and headed for the gym. Miyuki seated on the bench and looked around before falling asleep.
Meanwhile, Akagi called everyone's attention as he gave some reminders about the camp out. Coach Anzai dismissed the players earlier than usual. "Better take a rest so that you'll have plenty of energy for the camp-out tomorrow." Coach Anzai said as he dismissed the players.
Mitsui went ahead to the locker room to change his clothes. After a while, Miyagi and Sakuragi entered the room.
"Mitsui, Aya-chan wanted to tell you… Miyu-chan's outside in case you're looking for her" Miyagi said with a big grin plastered on his face.
Mitsui turned red and looked away. "Err, I'm not asking Miyagi!" Mitsui said.
"Yeah yeah.. If I know, after this you'll be looking all over for her." Miyagi said in a teasing tone.
Sakuragi laughed out loudly "Oi, Micchy! You're pretty crazy over that girl of yours aren't you?" Sakuragi said in between laughter.
"Idiot!" Mitsui said as he hit him on the head. Miyagi laughed as he looked at Sakuragi. "You're going already?" Miyagi asked when he saw Mitsui walking towards the door.
"Yeah.. I'll see you tomorrow! Ja ne.." Mitsui said as he opened the door.
"Miyu-chan will be joining us in the camp-out!" Miyagi called out. Mitsui smiled back at Miyagi. "Thanks for the info!" He said as he closed the door. He walked outside the hall and looked around. He then saw Miyuki under the tree and approached her. What? Is she asleep? Mitsui said as he lightly shook Miyuki. Miyuki was stirred from her sleep as she slowly opened her eyes.
"Did you have a nice nap, sleepyhead?" Mitsui said as he smiled. Miyuki rubbed her eyes as she smiled back at Mitsui. "Is orientation over, sempai?" she asked as she stood up.
Mitsui nodded as he looked away. "Miyagi told me you'd be joining us in the camp-out tomorrow." He said in a low tone. Miyuki nodded as she smiled sweetly at him. "I hope you don't mind, sempai.."
Mitsui chuckled as he looked at Miyuki. "Now why would I mind?"
"Well, because I asked you a favor to help me forget about Ryota-kun and still I'm going to the camp-out with you guys."
"Nah, It's no big deal. You can't forget that guy in just a snap, you know. I'm just her to back you up. Right?" Mitsui said as he looked away. He then saw Ayako waving at him near the gym exit. "Hey, there's Ayako, better go now." Mitsui said.
"I'll be going now sempai.. I'll see you tomorrow.. Ja ne…" Miyuki said as she waved at him as she walked away.
"I knew sempai would come looking for you." Ayako said as she grinned. Miyuki sighed as they walked towards a grocery store. "Aya-chan.. you sound like you're teasing me." Miyuki groaned. They were shopping for basic necessities for the camp-out tomorrow. While waiting in line, Ayako noticed Miyuki's worried expression.
"Hey something wrong?" Ayako asked. Miyuki looked at her and stayed silent for a while. "Anou, Aya-chan.. I don't know if I mentioned it to you already, but I'm worried about the camp-out tomorrow."
They paid for their groceries and stayed in the park for a while. "What are you worried about?" Ayako asked as they rested in the swings.
"Well, you see Aya-chan.. A camp-out means that it's in a forest, right? You see.. I get lost easily. I might get lost while camping." Miyuki said as she blushed lightly. Ayako looked at her and smiled.
"Miyu-chan, getting lost easily is nothing to be ashamed about, you know… Don't worry, each one of us will have a buddy at all times so no one gets lost, okay?" Ayako said as she glanced at Miyuki. Miyuki smiled and said. "Even so, I'm looking forward to it, Aya-chan."
Early the next morning, Miyuki woke up earlier than usual. Miyuki and Ayako stayed late at the park last night. Okay, I still have an hour to prepare. Miyuki thought. She took a quick shower and fixed herself. She then checked her things and soon she was on her way to Shohoku High. She saw Haruko with her brother, some of the starting players and Mitsui. A few minutes later, the team was complete and was on their way to their campsite.
Mitsui, Miyagi, Sakuragi and Rukawa were on the back of the bus. Miyagi took out his CD player and listened to some of his CDs. Mitsui was playing games on his phone, ignoring Sakuragi's very, very loud laughter while making fun of Rukawa who was staring out the window. "Do Ahou…" Rukawa muttered to Sakuragi. "Why you—" Sakuragi growled as Miyagi bonked him on the head. "Can't you just shut up for a while? Or maybe you guys can get along for a change?" Miyagi said as he went back to listening to his CDs. Meanwhile, Mitsui looked at Miyuki who was staring out the window. She was sharing her earphones with Ayako.
"You're staring at her again…." Miyagi said in a teasing tone.
"You're really into teasing me, aren't you… If I know, you're staring at your Aya-chan too.." Mitsui said as he laughed out.
"That's nothing to be ashamed about.. I'm proud that I'm staring at my beloved Aya-chan!" Miyagi said as he smiled.
"You need a break, man!" Mitsui muttered as he looked at Miyuki again. Rukawa's "meditation" was cut short when he heard Mitsui and Miyagi's conversation. He looked at Miyuki who was staring out the window. He looked away and stared out the window again. A few hours later, they reached their campsite. Akagi then called the players for their formation as the three girls went ahead to their cabins.
"This is going to be nice, isn't it girls?" Haruko said cheerfully while arranging her things. Ayako nodded and seated on the bed.
"There is just one thing that our boys out there will hate." Ayako said with a weird grin.
"Oh, what's that Aya-chan?" Miyuki said with a surprised look. Ayako and Haruko giggled as they said, "That would be cooking my dear."
"What! Last year, Ayako did the cooking… Why do we have to cook?" Everyone groaned as Coach Anzai laughed out loud. "Well, it's unfair that Ayako will do all the cooking, we'll just test your cooking skills." Coach Anzai said as he laughed out.
"Okay. I'll group you guys now, it's going to be nice if there's even one of you in the group who can cook." Coach Anzai said.
He then grouped the players according to his list. "Group A is composed of Miyagi, Mitsui, Kakuta, Kuwata, Yasuda and Rukawa. Group B is composed of Akagi, Kogure, Sakuragi, Ishii and Sasaoka". He fixed his glassed and smiled at the players. "Oh yes, I almost forgot, the three girls will be joining you too. Ayako and Miyuki will be joining Mitsui while Haruko will be joining his brother." Coach Anzai announced.
"We're so lucky! We have Miyu-chan with us!" Miyagi said out loud. Coach Anzai coughed out loud and called out. "But, I won't be allowing the girls to cook. The guys will do the cooking!" Everyone groaned as they went to their respective areas.
"Don't worry everyone, I can cook you know." Yasuda said with a big grin on his face. Mitsui grabbed him by the collar with his eyes shining. "Re..Really, YOU'RE OUR SAVIOR!" Mitsui said as he patted him loudly on the back as Miyagi and the rest laughed out.
The activities were held for the rest of the day. When nighttime came, everyone gathered around the campfire and told ghost stories. Haruko were shuddering as Ayako cuddled herself to keep warm. The guys were having a good time as they were scaring the wits out of each other. Miyuki was silent as she carefully listened to some of the stories.
"Say, Miyu-chan.. Do you believe in ghosts?" Haruko asked as she seated next to Miyuki. Miyuki nodded her head and looked up the stars.
"Even so, Haruko-chan.. I don't think they mean us much harm. I think they're just lonely beings.. We're the ones who misinterpret them." Miyuki said.
Haruko sighed as she gazed at the campfire. Coach Anzai stood up and clapped his hands. "Okay, stories are over.. Now I want to see, who among you fine young lads are "chicken"? We'll have the bravery test now." Coach Anzai called out.
Haruko shivered as Ayako stood beside her. "Now, don't worry.. You're not going off there alone.." Ayako said. She looked at Miyuki who looked very worried. "And you my lady, you're not going to get lost… Okay?" Miyuki nodded, but she still looked worried.
Coach Anzai held the numbers as each one took out a number. The pair with the same number will get to be buddies for that event. Mitsui looked at Miyuki as she took out a number and went beside Ayako. Hmm.. I sure hope I'll get paired with her. Mitsui thought. Everyone paced around and looked for their pair. Mitsui peeked at Miyuki number. She's paired up with someone else.. Too bad.. I wonder who's her buddy. Mitsui thought with a disappointed look. He glanced at Miyuki who was walking towards Rukawa. So, it's him. Rukawa, you better take care of Miyuki while you're gone. Mitsui thought as he walked to his pair, Kogure.
"So, Miyu-chan was paired with Rukawa-san.." Kogure said with a weird grin. "I know you're disappointed, you'll have other chances.." Kogure added as he patted him on the back..
"Whoa… I didn't say anything!" Mitsui said as he looked away. "Yeah, whatever.." Kogure said as he smiled.
"So, looks like I'll be walking in the dark woods with you, ne Rukawa-kun?" Miyuki said as they waited in line. Rukawa nodded as he kept silent for a while. He looked at Miyuki who was pretty calm as she waited. She's not that calm a while ago, when she was with Ayako. Rukawa thought. After a while, they walked the dark path towards the woods.
"Rukawa! If you dare lose Miyuki on the way, Mitsui will beat you up pretty badly!" Sakuragi called out as Mitsui strangled him. "Shut up you red-headed monkey!"
Rukawa and Miyuki were already in the middle of the path. Rukawa held the flashlight as Miyuki looked around.
"You're scared that we'll lose our way, aren't you?" Rukawa murmured. Miyuki looked at him and kept silent. "So, it is true.. Even a great genius like you is scared to lose your way." Rukawa added.
Miyuki looked at him blankly. "Hey, everyone have at least one greatest fear, you know!" Miyuki snapped as she looked around nervously.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Don't worry, I won't let ourselves lose our way." Rukawa said in a low tone. While walking, their flashlight flickered on and off and died down eventually.
"Whoa? What.. what happened?" Miyuki asked as she looked around.
"The flashlight ran out of batteries." Rukawa said as he tapped the flashlight lightly. "I hope you have a keen eyesight we have to continue walking. Hold on to me so you won't get lost." Rukawa said. Miyuki nodded nervously as she held on Rukawa's shirt and continued walking. Suddenly, an eerie sound was heard from the bushes.
Oh, I can take this any longer! Where's that stupid finish line? Miyuki thought. She clutched Rukawa's shirt tightly as they went down the path. It's getting darker already.Then, from a nearby bush, a huge figure came out and growled at the. Miyuki was surprised as she let go of Rukawa's shirt and ran away as fast as she can. For heaven's sake! She thought as she ran.
"Hey, wait! You might get lost!" Rukawa called out as he looked around. Man! It's just a silly dog for heaven's sake! Oh great.. now I lost her.. Where did she go? Rukawa thought as he looked around.
After a while, he went back to the path and leaned on one of the trees. Why does she have to run off like that! Everyone's going to kill me when they find out, especially Mitsui! She doesn't look so calm now like the times I saw her back then.. Rukawa thought. He stood up when he saw a light approaching him. As they went closer, he figured that it was Miyagi and Ayako.
"Rukawa? What are you doing here in the middle of the path? Where's Miyu-chan?" Miyagi asked as he looked around.
Rukawa shrugged as he looked down. "That what I want to know. I don't know where she is.." he muttered. Miyagi grabbed his collar and pushed him at the tree. "You don't know where she is? Darn! What did you do? Leave her behind?" Miyagi snapped.
"Hold it! We better find her rather that beating Rukawa-kun up!" Ayako said in a worried tone. They ran back to the campsite and told Coach Anzai about Miyuki.
"We better find her before it gets any later." Coach Anzai said. Mitsui stayed away from Rukawa as much as possible. He dragged Miyagi and Kogure walked into the forest.
"Miyuki will not be very happy if I lay even a finger at Rukawa! I just have to stay away from him for a while." Mitsui said as she clenched his fist and sighed.
"Where do you think she may have ran off to?" Miyagi asked in a worried tone. Kogure looked around the almost similar trees and squinted his eyes. "Who knows? She's going to have a hard time finding her way out of here. The best thing we can do is to look patiently." Kogure replied.
While they were walking, they saw a nearby cottage. "Hey! Someone's there by the cottage!" Miyagi exclaimed as he pointed to the place. The three ran towards the house and approached the person by the porch.
"Err.. excuse me…." Kogure muttered. The person is a girl. She was completely startled but regained her composure after a while.
"Good grief! Gomen nasai, I'm really having the jitters lately. What can I do for you?" the girl asked sweetly. She has brown shoulder-length hair and deep blue eyes. She has her laptop with her and a bunch of books beside her.
Kogure was silent for a while. He then asked. "Excuse me, but have you seen a girl pass by here a while ago?"
"Hmm.. I've been here for a while now, but I haven't seen any girl…" the girl replied. Kogure looked around as he sighed. He shifted his eyes to the person who just got out from the cottage. His eyes widened when he saw the guy.
"Ka… Kaname?" Kogure stammered. The guy looked surprised when he saw Kogure.
"Kiminobu.. what are you doing here?" Kaname asked. Everyone looked surprised and looked at the two boys.
"Uhm, Kaname-kun.. Do you know them?" the girl asked. Kaname scratched his head and smiled. "Uhm, yeah.. He's the guy I've been telling you. He's my friend, Kiminobu." Kaname said with a smile.
The girl nodded as she smiled and bowed down. "Well, konbawa Kiminobu-san. Watashi wa Wataru Kaori-chan" Kaori said in a sweet tone. Kogure and the others bowed down too.
Kogure turned to Kaname. "Sorry to barge in here. We were just passing by. We're on a camp-out." Kogure said as he laughed.
"I see, you're still very loyal to basketball." Kaname said with a grin.
Kogure's face turned grim as he prepared himself. "Uhm, sorry for changing the topic, but I am so glad that we ran to each other! You see, Miyu-chan's out there… She's missing! You have to help us find her." Kimonobu said in a grim tone.
Kaname stayed silent for a while as he sighed. "Don't tell me you're not going to look for her, she's your sister for crying out loud!" Kogure added.
"Who said that I'm not going to look for her? It's been years since I last looked for her." Kaname said. Kogure smiled and waited for Kaname who went inside the cottage to get some flashlights and batteries.
Kaname.. So he's Miyuki's brother… Mitsui thought.
Kaori stood up and walked towards Kaname and took a deep breath. "I'm going with you, Kaname-kun…" she said in a low tone.
"It's dangerous out there, Kaori… You have to stay here.." Kaname replied. Kaori shook her head and looked at him with insisting eyes. Kaname took a deep breath and held her hand. "Okay, just stay close to me and don't wander off." Kaname said. They went out to the woods to find Miyuki.
Meanwhile, Miyuki was walking slowly in the woods. Oh, man! Everything looks the same here! It's pretty dark too… And I can't see any stars at all. How am I going to get out of here? Darn! I easily get surprised nowadays.. I shouldn't have ran off.. Miyuki thought.
She turned around when she heard the eerie rustle of the bushes. She took small steps backward and ran off again. Great! What a way to get lost, Miyuki! She thought as she looked back while running. She fell into one of the deep traps on the ground and strained her ankle.
It took her a while to regain her strength and stood up and looked up the huge hole. Oh great! Now I fell into a trap! Miyuki thought. She went limp and fell to the ground. Darn! This is beginning to look hopeless! She thought as she looked up the hole again.
She sat for a while and thought carefully. Should I wait for someone to find me? No.. I just can't wait for someone! I have to find a way out.. Or toss out something to let someone know that I'm here in this stupid hole! Miyuki thought. She tried to climb up, but failed because of her sprained ankle. She tried calling out for someone. After a number of trials, she sat down again and sighed. I don't want to die in a hole! Miyuki thought as she groaned.
Meanwhile, Miyagi and Mitsui are calling out Miyuki's name as they looked around. Kogure, Kaname and Kaori were walking ahead of them.
"Of all the places for her to get lost! How are we going to find her…" Kaname said as he looked for trails on the ground.
"Have faith, Kaname.. She's smart.. She must have left some kind of a trail or something.." Kaori replied. Kaname sighed as he smiled at Kaori.
"Say, Kaname.. Is Kaori-san your girlfriend?" Kogure asked. "Yeah, she is.." Kaname replied as he chuckled. Kaori blushed and looked away.
"You guys look cute together!" Kogure teased as he patted Kaname on the back. Kaname smiled as he looked down on the tracks again.
"This is way bad.. She's all alone in this forest.." Mitsui said as he looked at the ground. He noticed a small piece of paper lying on the ground, which looked somewhat familiar.
"Hey, isn't this the map that Coach Anzai gave to all of us?" Mitsui said as he carefully looked at the paper.
"Yeah, it's the same thing!" Miyagi exclaimed as he took out his own copy and compared it to the one Mitsui was holding. Kaname, Kaori and Kogure approached the two and looked at the pieces of papers.
"Miyu-chan is somewhere near here. We have to call out as loud as we can so that she'll know we're nearby." Miyagi said. They all nodded and began to call out for Miyuki.
Meanwhile, Miyuki sat silently on the ground. For goodness sake! I've been here like forever! She heard a faint voice from the surface. She gathered all her strength and stood up. The voice was getting louder and louder. Miyuki whispered a silent prayer of thanksgiving and called out for help at the top of her lungs. They can't hear me… Darn! Do something Miyuki! She looked around for something useful to her. She felt something on her pocket. Oh yeah, of course! This will work out just fine now that everything's in darkness! She fished a camera out of her pocket. She hasn't loaded it with film but she replaced the batteries this morning. She aimed at the hole and pressed the capture button. Please! Let them notice the flash! Miyuki prayed as she kept on pressing the flash button.
Kaori saw something at the corner of her eye. Am I hallucinating or did I just saw something flash on the ground? She thought as shivers went down her spine. She let go of Kaname's hand for a while and looked at where she saw the flash.
"Kaori, is there something wrong?" Kaname asked as he walked towards Kaori. He also saw something flashing on the ground continuously.
"Something's out there! We better take a closer look.." Kaori said as she went nearer to where the flash came from. The rest followed her behind. She aimed the flashlight on the ground and saw a huge hole. The flashes of light came from that same hole.
"Hey! Anyone in there?" Mitsui called out. Miyuki took a breath of relief and called out. "Anyone! I'm stuck in this stupid hole! Get me out of here!"
"Miyuki? Is that you?" Mitsui called out again. "Yeah! Now get me out of here for heaven's sake!" Miyuki called out at the top of her lungs.
She tried her best to remain standing. But her legs grew numb and she fell down on the ground again. What in the world? It felt like something bit me! Miyuki thought as she looked at her feet. She saw a bite mark and a snake crawled towards her. She grew pale as tears welled up in her eyes. No.. I.. I was… bitten.. by that thing! She didn't move for a while until the snake crawled into a small hole. She was shivering, as her leg grew numb. Her tears fell down her cheeks as she stared at the bite mark.
"Miyuki! Grab my hand!" Someone called out. She looked up as she tried to see whom the person is. His arm was stretched out as someone was aiming the flashlight into the hole.
"Am I seeing the right thing? Is my sister crying?" the guy said. Miyuki was surprised when she saw that the guy was none other than her brother, Kaname. "Hey, are you going to just stand here until I fall in there too?" Kaname added as he smiled. Miyuki blinked as she used all her strength to stand and grab Kaname's hand. Kaname pulled Miyuki up and held her close.
"What.. what are you doing here?" Miyuki muttered in between sobs. Kaname wrapped his arms around Miyuki as he whispered. "Gomen nasai.. I haven't been a good brother to you."
"He.. Help me… brother.." Miyuki muttered as she held his brother tighter. Kaname looked at her as he shifted his eyes on Miyuki's leg and saw the bite mark. "Darn.. We have to get her back to the campsite! She's been bitten by a snake!" Kaname called out.
Upon hearing this, Mitsui quickly approached Miyuki and looked at her leg. He took out a handkerchief and tied it on Miyuki's leg as tightly as he could. Kaname carried his sister in his arms and followed the trail back at the campsite and took her to a clinic.
Mitsui and Miyagi waited outside the clinic. Mitsui punched the wall before slumping on a chair.
"Take it easy, man… You're not even supposed to lay a finger on anyone, and that includes Rukawa.." Miyagi said as he looked at Mitsui.
"After all that happened because of that stupid kitsune! You'd expect me to just forget everything? No way, Miyagi!" Mitsui snapped as he clenched his fist.
"You're not going to do anything." Kogure said in a stern voice as he went out of the clinic with Kaname and Kaori. "Miyuki and me will not allow that sort of thing. Rukawa didn't mean for this to happen.." He added.
Mitsui sighed as he looked at Kogure. "How's Miyuki?" he asked.
"She's okay. Good thing the snake that bit her doesn't have that much venom in its fangs. She'll be okay in a couple of days." Kogure replied as he watched Mitsui's expression carefully.
Kaname looked sternly at Mitsui. Kogure noticed Kaname's expression and patted him on the back.
"I sense a brother's jealousy around here…" Kogure said.
"Who are they? I'm too busy looking for Miyuki that I forgot to ask for their names." Kaname asked.
"Who among them interests you the most?" Kogure asked as he smiled. Kaname lowered his head and replied, "The one you talked with a while ago."
"I figured you'd ask. He's Hisashi Mitsui, one of the starting players of our team. He's a good friend of Miyu-chan…" Kogure replied.
"I see…" Kamame nodded as he glanced at Mitsui again. "What position does he play?"
"He's the shooting guard. And he's really great at it." Kogure replied. Kaname looked away as he felt the cold breeze. Kaori looked at Kaname as if she was reading his thoughts.
"Kaname-kun… I hope you're not planning to do what I think you're thinking…" Kaori said in a worried tone. Kaname shook his head. "No, Kaori.. At least not now…", he replied. Kaori made a face as he looked away.
"Sorry to tease you… But you're not that sport inclined.." Kaori said as she rolled her eyes. Kogure looked at Kaname as he took a deep breath.
"Who even told you that I'm thinking about basketball?" Kaname replied as she looked at Kaori.
Kaname approached Mitsui and Miyagi as Kaori went inside the clinic. "Can I hang-out with you guys for a while?"
Miyagi nodded as he stood up. Kaname leaned on the wall and looked at Mitsui.
"So, you're Miyu-chan's brother." Miyagi said in a low tone. Kaname nodded as he looked up the stars. "Although, I've never been a good brother to her."
"Nah, I know you didn't actually leave her…" Mitsui said as he stared at the ground. Kaname looked at him as he sighed.
"Kiminobu told you guys the whole story?" Kaname asked.
Mitsui shook as he replied, "Nope.. Kogure only told a part of the story, Miyu-chan told me the rest."
Miyagi looked at Mitsui and Kaname as he leaned on one of the streetlamp. Kaname stood up and felt the cold breeze. Mitsui glanced at Kaname for a while. Kaname Kanazumi, who would have thought that I'll meet him this soon.. Mitsui thought.
"Hey, thanks for keeping an eye for my sister for a while.." Kaname said. Miyagi smiled as he looked at Mitsui.
Early the next morning, Mitsui went back to the campsite. He left Miyagi who was sleeping in the clinic. He happened to meet Haruko on his way.
"Where's Rukawa?" Mitsui said in a stern voice.
Haruko looked at Mitsui with fearful eyes. "He's not awake yet…" she said. Mitsui walked away as he clenched his fist.
"Sempai! Don't hurt him.. He didn't mean to get Miyu-chan in trouble!" Haruko called out, but Mitsui continued on his way without looking back. Haruko looked at him worriedly. Oh no… This is sure trouble. I have to let Miyu-chan know about this… she thought as she ran towards the clinic.
Meanwhile, Miyagi woke up and stretched his arms. He looked around for Mitsui. Whoa? Where did he go in such an early time? Miyagi thought. Kogure walked into the room and greeted Miyagi.
"Where did he go? It's still very early." Kogure asked as Miyagi nooded.
"I have this weird feeling.." Miyagi said in a worried tone. He glanced at Miyuki at the other end of the room. Kaname slept beside Miyuki's bed as Kaori slept beside the window.
Then, out of nowhere, Haruko ran into the room. She stopped for a while to catch her breath.
"Haruko? What are you doing here? Is there something wrong?" Miyagi said as he looked at Haruko who was catching her breath.
"Mi.. Mit.. Mitsui-se.. sempai! You have to stop Mitsui-sempai!" Haruko blurted out.
"What! Darn that stupid guyI told him to stay away from Rukawa!" Miyagi said as he stood up.
"What's up with sempai?" someone said. Haruko looked around and saw Miyuki who was sitting on her bed. "Haruko-chan, take me to the campsite.."
"That would be a big no, Miyu-chan!" Miyagi said. Miyuki shook her head as Haruko approached her.
"Are you sure you can make it?" Haruko asked. "I don't think this…."
"Please! I have to stop sempai! Rukawa-kun didn't mean for any of these to happen." Miyuki said as she stood up with the help of Haruko. Miyagi still looked confused but he helped Haruko in assisting Miyuki.
Meanwhile, at the campsite, Mitsui looked around the campsite and saw Rukawa. He approached him and grabbed him by the collar.
"Darn you! Have you got any idea about what almost happed to Miyuki because of you? You're so careless!" Mitsui snapped as he pushed him to the wall.
"Fine, do whatever you like to me…" Rukawa said in a cold tone. Mitsui clenched his fist. As he was about to punch Rukawa, someone called out his name.
"Yamete, sempai!" Miyuki called out at the top of her lungs. Mitsui was frozen for a moment. He held Rukawa by the collar as he sighed and pushed him aside.
"You're not supposed to be here…" Mitsui whispered without looking at Miyuki. Miyuki looked at him with a worried expression. "Sempai…."
Mitsui walked away with his hand on his pocket. "Gomen nasai, Miyu-chan…" he said as he walked away.
Miyuki looked at Mitsui who was walking away from him. She was very weak as she tried to stand straight with Haruko beside her. Rukawa stood up and motioned beside Miyuki.
"Better run after him…" Rukawa said as he looked at Miyuki.
Miyuki shook her head as she looked at Rukawa in the eye. "I'm not going to talk to him… After what happened just now.. He needs to realize his mistake!"
Rukawa stood in front of Miyuki. He looked at her. "Just go, will you.. Even thought you say that sort of thing, it's not going to be easy for you."
Miyuki looked away. "Fine.. Let's go, Haruko-chan.. We're going after sempai.." she whispered to Haruko. As they walked away, Rukawa watched them from afar. I can't have her.. I'll never have her.. Miyuki Kanazumi…
Mitsui stayed at his cabin for a while. He shared that cabin with his group mates. But now he's alone meditating at what he just did to Rukawa a while ago. As he was thinking, someone knocked at the door. He ignored the continuous knocking as he lay on his bed. The door opened slowly as Miyuki entered the cabin.
"Haruko-chan.. Can you please wait outside, I need to talk to sempai for a while." Miyuki whispered to Haruko. Miyuki walked beside Mitsui's bed and kept silent for a while.
"You're not supposed to be walking around in your condition.. Better go back to the clinic.. By the way, how did you figure out that I was here?" Mitsui said as he sat up and looked out the window.
"Sasaoka told me you went in here… Sempai…I understand what you're feeling right now… Actually, I'm so glad that you did that for me… But, Rukawa-kun didn't mean for that to happen. He was even trying to keep me unruffled. I was the one who ran off.. I lost my compose… So, it's my fault." Miyuki explained. "Please don't be angry at him…" she whispered.
"The ice prince did that?" Mitsui replied as he looked at Miyuki. Miyuki nodded as she looked away. Mitsui enclosed his arms around Miyuki as he whispered softly, "Gomen, Miyuki.. I just don't want to lose you.. Is that enough reason for you?"
Miyuki's eyes widened as she felt herself at ease. Mitsui turned red as he let go of Miyuki and looked away. "Gomen.. I.. I was.. not aware…" Mitsui stammered.
Miyuki shook her head as she smiled. "It's okay, sempai… Surprisingly, I find safe haven when I'm with you.."
Mitsui smiled as he stood up. "Come on, I'll take you back to the clinic." Mitsui walked Haruko and Miyuki to the clinic.
After a couple of days, the team went back to Kanagawa. While on their way, Miyuki stared outside the window. She kept on thinking about Mitsui and Rukawa. She was still mystified about the two of them. Mitsui was her sempai, and he is always there when she needed him. He was like a brother to her and she secretly liked Mitsui for that. But I only like him because he's nice to me, nothing more… How about Kaede Rukawa? He's a really baffling character. He's an ice prince, but he.. actually cared for me? And he talked to me… strange…
Ayako noticed Miyuki's peculiar silence. She shook her head as she tugged Miyuki lightly. "Hey, are you okay? You're way too silent…"
Miyuki smiled at Ayako. "Gomen ne, Aya-chan… I was just thinking about something… Whould you mind if I share it to you?" she said to Ayako.
Ayako shook her head as she prepared to listen. (A/N: Miyuki is sharing her thoughts about Mitsui and Rukawa).
"So, Rukawa talked to you… He hardly talks to anyone… I only talk to him about important matters." Ayako replied.
"Yeah, but I don't think he's a total ice prince… Maybe he only talks to someone whom he's at ease.." Miyuki said as Ayako shrugged.
When they reached Kanagawa, Miyuki went straight home and let herself fall on her bed. She sighed as she looked at the ceiling. I actually enjoyed the trip! That's new… And my misapprehension with my brother is finally settled! I'm actually.. happy…