Thinking of you

by: K

Chapter 3: Dreamy Revelations

Tachibana's POV:

Dribble.

Spin around.

Dribble.

Back roll.

Dribble.

Leave him behind.

Jump. Dunk.

Take the ball.

Start again…

5 times.

10 times.

20 times.

50 times…

Don't stop.

Do it until perfection…

Keep your mind on the game. Don't wander of to his words…

I set myself down. My back against the wall. Looking to the ceiling.

"You still here?"

Yamazaki is standing before me. Not really looking surprised.

I remain silence.

"That technique is starting to work… If you keep your mind on what you're doing, that is…"

I turn my head, facing you.

"And how would that come you think?"

My voice sounds a bit angry, while in fact, I'm totally not… I'm just so confused…

"I just found out that one of my team-mates loves me! How am I supposed to keep my mind on basket?"

I'm almost yelling now.

Suddenly a movement in the door caught my eye.

I hold my breath.

Hitonari is standing there. One hand against the door, supporting him to keep his balance.

His eyes wide in fear.

A look of shock and sadness on his face.

Hitonari's POV:

'No, this can't be happening… He's not supposed to know. He was not allowed to find out…

Did Yama tell him?

No, he wouldn't. He said so himself…

No…! What? How?'

So many thoughts and questions are flying through my head.

I take a deep shaking breath.

He's sitting there, just sitting…

I turn around and run away. Away from here, from… him…

Tachibana's POV

His eyes and face held so many emotions…

I was just planning on getting up, when he turned and started to run.

I quickly jump on my feet, but before I could leave, Yama graphed my wrist.

"Tachibana…" Your voice is warning me.

I nod. Knowing perfectly well what you mean…

You let go of me, and I race after you.

'Damn, you're fast. Almost as quick as your brother…'

I'm able to follow, but not to catch up with you.

After 15 minutes you stop. At last…

The park. So this is where you go when you want to be alone…

You're standing against a tree. A lonely tear escaping your eye.

Seeing you standing there, so much pain on your face, I feel my heart break and I realize,… realize that what I feel, is not friendship, nor respect, but… something more. Something deeper, much stronger…

I slowly walk until you see me.

You're immediately alert, ready to run again.

I hold my hands before me.

"Please, don't run away again… I don't think I'll be able to follow you even further…

A small smirk on my face.

You're looking at me with so many emotions to see in your eyes. Going from amusement of my comment and love, to sadness and fear.

I shake my head softly.

I'm standing before you now.

"Yama said you had to tell me something…"

Your eyes widen for a second. Then you close them and turn your head away.

"Please, don't do this to me…"

Silence fell and I was not about to break it. I wanted to hear him say it…

You sigh, defeated…

"What do I still have to tell you? You already know…"

Your voice sounds so rough when you're trying to hold back your tears.

I take your head between my hands and make you face me.

"Look at me Hitonari…"

You do as I ask. Inwardly I gasp at the intensity of the emotions in your orbs.

I smile sadly.

"Yes, I already know, but I want to hear it from you… I want to hear you say it…"

Hitonari's POV:

'His small smile, his sad eyes…

Does he mean…? No, he wouldn't…

Why am I hoping? Why does he make me hope? He probably just wants to hurt me…'

I pull my head out his hands.

"Why…? Why are you doing this to me? Why do you want to hurt me so much?

For your pride? To tell the others?

Just leave me alone!" I yell angry, not paying attention at your reaction. Perhaps if had done that, I would have seen something… Something.

I push him away and start to run again.

Not paying attention around me, I don't notice the little rock before me. I feel my feet hit it, and I'm starting to go down… But suddenly, before I hid the ground I feel 2 arms encircle me.

I look beneath me and see Akane lying there… I fell right on top of him…

I try to stand up as quickly as I can, ready to sprint away again.

'Why did he do that for? What was he thinking?'

I just stood there. Not able to do anything else but stare at him.

You look up at me. A strange look in your eyes. It was already there before I ran away, but I didn't knew what it was, and I didn't dare to hope…

"Are you okay?" Worried.

I nod. "Yeah, but I should be asking you…"

You grin.

"I'm fine…"

You stand up and I take a step back.

"I don't want to hurt you Hitonari… It's the last thing I'd ever want."

You look so cute, and you sound so honest.

A small smile graces my lips. I finally found the meaning of that strange look in your eyes.

You come closer and cup my face.

I close my eyes and lean in in the touch.

A soft, gentle laugh escapes your lips and I look questioningly at you.

"We're both fools…"

I smile and nod, understanding what you mean.

I take a deep breath.

"Aishiteru Akane…" A soft whisper.

Your eyes widen and your smile gets broader.

A small nod.

"I love you too…"

I smile, wrap my arms around your waist and kiss you gentle on your lips before I lay my head on your shoulder.

You put your arms around me and move your hands up and down my back…

TBC

K: so… what did you think of it? Liked it? Hated it?

Anyway, leave a (little) review to tell me… : )