Title: Crazy Love Webs
Disclaimer: Slam Dunk is not mine. Britney Spears, Usher, Linkin' Park and Simple Plan are not mine, neither are their albums and their songs.
Warning/s: Foul language is present; there is also yaoi and, very rarely for Slam Dunk, some Yuri. Obviously, Miyagi and Haruko are the only "normal" people in this fanfic. There might be some twisted sense of humor…
A/N: It's the idealism, not the realism…
Summary:
Rukawa is Sendoh's crush. Sendoh is Koshino's crush. Fukuda has two crushes: Koshino and Jin. Jin likes his best friend, Kiyota, who has a thing for Maki, who had set his eyes on Fujima. Fujima, on the other hand, kept his feelings for Hanagata who has a crush on Haesegawa, who had always hid his feelings on Mitsui, who loves Kogure, who likes Akagi. Akagi likes Uozumi, who had come to like Uekusa, who likes Miyagi, who loves Ayako, who had suppressed her feelings for Haruko. Haruko had finally come to like Sakuragi, who had tried to stop his feelings for Rukawa. Try to figure out what will happen next in this crazy love web.
(Man! That was long)
(OoOoOo) Changing of scene
(Flashback) self-explanatory
/ text / song
Chapter five: Foolishly Eccentric
A lot of people say that laughter is the best medicine. It makes the soul younger. It is said that an uncontrollable fit of laughter is healthy to the body. If our outer body is exercised through jogging, then the inner body is exercised through laughing. When one hears laughter, he or she can't help but smile, or in other cases, laugh too. It uplifts a depressed soul…
However, this laughter that a certain monkey is producing is certainly NOT the best medicine. It is damned irritating to everyone unknowing around him, especially to the one he's laughing at.
"Damn you, you stupid long-haired monkey!" Another monkey exclaimed at him. Other people around him laughed at him too, though. This, of course, irritated the monkey more.
Haruko smiled as she hugged Hanamichi. "Calm down, Hanamichi-kun." Hanamichi blushed as he felt Haruko hug his waist. He rubbed his nape. "Whatever you say, Haruko-san!"
Jin laughed as he put his elbow on Kiyota's right shoulder. "Stop that now, Kiyota. This is their school." Kiyota pouted at him. "You are laughing too, Jin-san!"
Jin continued to laugh. "At least it's a comforting laugh, Kiyota, not like yours." teased the boy beside him.
Uekusa is also laughing, while Akagi is already giving his sister and Hanamichi "the looks". Well, what kind of brother will not be irritated to see his one and only sister hugging a useless troublemaker monkey at a public place?
Uozumi laughed with Uekusa. He isn't really the type to laugh at such stupidity… but if Uekusa finds it funny, then maybe he should, too.
Hanagata shook his head while Haesegawa laughed with the others, too. Hanamichi is still in a raging fit when they saw five familiar people at the pizza booth.
"Guys!" A shout stopped Sakuragi's raging fit for a while. He turned and saw Miyagi. Seeing Miyagi only brought one thought in his mind. 'Maybe Ryo-chin knows where the fox is.' He ran to their side. Beside him, Haruko also ran. Jin, Kiyota, Hanagata and Haesegawa followed.
"I thought I'll never find you in this jungle, Sakuragi." Miyagi said as he tapped Sakuragi's back a little too harshly. Sakuragi almost tripped to Rukawa's foot, but he controlled his fall, therefore landing at Ayako's lap.
"What are you doing there!" Ayako and Miyagi both asked accusingly. Sakuragi opened his eyes, only to see Ayako's and Miyagi's raging eyes.
The next thing that they saw was a desperate-to-escape red monkey being chased by a paper-fan-girl and a muffin-head.
The group had different reactions, but all of them chose to ignore the chase. To Shohoku members, it wasn't something new to be excited at. To members of the other teams, however, they already saw a lot of Shohoku basketball team's pranks on court… so seeing them like that off-court isn't really surprising…
Just amusing…
"Geez, Akagi-san, you guys sure are very energetic!" Sendoh commented as he watched Ayako and Miyagi chase Sakuragi. Uozumi sighed. "How can you keep up with them?"
Akagi sighed. "Don't ask." Uozumi decided that he better not ask. He made the right option.
"So, Akira, I thought you were meeting Rukawa today. Where is he?" Uozumi asked when he noted that Akira is alone.
This made Hanamichi stop. The mention of 'Rukawa' is something he can not miss… but Rukawa meeting that stupid Sendoh isn't something he would be glad for.
He looked at Sendoh's direction, and saw that the broom head is alone… except someone who has porcupine hair.
For that moment, it seemed that the monkey forgot that two angry people were chasing him.
"Caught you!" Both shouted as they gave Hanamichi strong kicks and tough paper fan blows.
(Back to the pizza booth)
Akira smiled. The porcupine boy beside him sighed. Fujima laughed, while Maki ignored the question and just continued eating his pizza.
Uozumi, Akagi, Haruko, Hanagata, Jin, Kiyota and Haesegawa only stared at the four of them. Just then, Ayako and Miyagi, who were finally satisfied beating Sakuragi up, stepped in the pizza booth.
"What are you guys talking about?" Ayako asked when she noticed the 'what's-going-on' air around the people who were at the pizza booth. Uozumi shrugged. One glance at Akira and she understood what was going on. "Were you looking for Rukawa?" She asked Akagi.
Akagi nodded. He noted that Ayako has this playful tone. Ayako just laughed. "Hey, Rukawa, a lot of people sure aren't recognizing you. Nice job, Akira!" She said, throwing a high-five to Akira. Akira laughed lightheartedly and threw Ayako the high-five she was asking for.
Haruko looked around her. "I don't see Rukawa-kun anywhere, Ayako-san." She said when she made sure she had looked at every angle from where she stood. Ayako smiled. Akira placed an arm at the guy beside him. "Haruko, right? Well, Haruko, here he is."
Hanagata strained his eyes beneath his glasses. Haesegawa was about to the same, but he realized that if he squinted, he can not see anything. Akagi's, Jun's, Haruko's, Kiyota's, Jin's and Uekusa's eyes bulged.
Kiyota gasped. "Are you kidding us? That guy is Rukawa?" He pointed an accusing finger at Akira. Rukawa sighed. "do'aho." It was the only word he needs to say in order for the people around him to recognize him.
After a second of sudden silence, the pizza booth was suddenly filled with unbelieving shouts. "Rukawa! What the hell are you doing, dressed up like that? Do you have a fever?" Akagi asked, his jaws dropping to the ground.
Kiyota gasped. Hanagata can only hang his jaws loosely.
Rukawa groaned. "I'm not sick." He said in a monotone. His irritation level can only increase. Damn that broom head. He is against being dressed up like this, but why did he agree?
As if to answer him, a smiling face popped in front of him. "We were thinking of keeping stalkers away." Akira said as he turned to Kaede to ask for his approval.
Kaede shrugged and nodded. Oh, yes, he remembers why he agreed. The smile in his face is just too charming to reject.
Kiyota mocked him. "Why would someone stalk on a useless walking block of ice?" He asked the indignant fox.
Rukawa glared at him, and then turned away, so he will not be irritated by the stupid monkey's face. However, he might get angrier with what he is going to see.
Sakuragi made his way to the pizza booth. His gaze and Rukawa's gaze met for quite a few seconds. Blue icy orbs met red fiery orbs…
Sakuragi blushed, up to the point that his face is as red as his hair. He was the first one to pull away. He turned his gaze to the others.
Sakuragi was met by three glares (Rukawa, Ayako, and Miyagi) and the others' sympathetic looks. "Hey, Sakuragi-kun, are you alright?" Sendoh asked the red monkey, whose body is covered with blacks and blues who had just stepped in.
Sakuragi could only glare at his rival. Sendoh continued smiling. This, of course, irritated Sakuragi more.
"What the hell are you doing here?" He asked Sendoh. His blood is boiling from what seems to be jealousy. Akira had a question mark in his head. "Why, Sakuragi-kun? Don't you like to see me?" He asked, obviously hurt.
Sakuragi glared at him more intensely. "Who would be glad to see you?" He asked. Just then, a well-hated paper fan made a harsh contact with his skull.
"OUCH!"
Sakuragi turned around, just to see Ayako with a menacing glare. "Where are your manners?" She asked. Sakuragi can see that her glare is threatening. Ayako was followed by another feminine, but sweet, voice. "Be polite, Sakuragi." Haruko said.
Hanamichi rubbed the spot at his head where Ayako hit him. "But…"
'I can't possibly tell Haruko-san why I did that…'
"It's alright, Haruko and Ayako-san. I guess Sakuragi isn't exactly happy seeing me… I'll just go outside the school grounds." Sendoh smiled sadly.
Rukawa and the others could only watch as Sendoh stood up from where he was sitting. They can not do anything, because their voices seemed to have been stuck. Except two people in the group, that is. Sakuragi can laugh silently while Rukawa…
"Why did you do that?" His voice was laced with anger. Sakuragi sneered. "Why are you staring at me like that, fox? Do you want to have another one?" Sakuragi smiled as he touched his lips.
No one seemed to understand what Sakuragi said but Rukawa. He glared at Sakuragi intensely. "Shut up!" He almost shouted. Everyone was surprised at the sudden change in Rukawa's usual monotone.
Kaede stood up from his seat. He knows that he should follow Akira.
However, when he was about to go out of the booth to follow Akira, Sakuragi suddenly held his wrist tightly. "Let go." He said coldly.
Sakuragi teased. "Why would I?"
"I said let go." He said, his voice getting a little louder. Akagi was giving them the reprimanding looks, but they can not be sensitive to it by now. A lot of things 'more important' are going on.
Sakuragi sneered. "Make me." He said. He leaned over the fox. He was about to kiss him… but Kaede will not fall for a trick twice.
He punched Sakuragi straight on the nose, and then he ran to follow Akira.
0o0o0
Sakuragi could only stare longingly at the retreating figure. The fox, so far, had not been reacting positively with his advances. Now, the fox is siding up with the smiley from the other team!
"Sakuragi, are you alright?" Haruko asked. Some people might think that she's a little too naïve and clueless, but she perfectly understood what happened a while ago. Sakuragi tried to kiss Rukawa.
Sakuragi nodded, and gritted his teeth with pain. His nose might have been broken, if he wasn't able to dodge a little. He held his nose tightly.
Everyone in the booth was surprised. Almost none of them could react properly.
"What were you thinking of?" Miyagi asked, his voice rising a little. He was surprised with what happened a while ago. True, Sakuragi can be a little too impolite, but he is not that harshly impolite. Another thing that surprised him was when Rukawa sided up with Sendoh, his rival.
But none of these can match his surprise when Sakuragi tried to kiss Rukawa.
Miyagi has this question in his mind. He likes to ask Sakuragi "Are you gay?", but maybe not in front of the members of the other teams.
This is also the same question that the two Akagi's would like to ask him. But of course… It will be shame on the team.
"Would you like me to accompany you to the clinic, Hanamichi?" Ryota just said. Maybe he can pick a conversation with him while they are going to the clinic.
Sakuragi stood up. "No, Ryo-chin, I can go there by myself." He simply said.
All the people in the pizza booth, including the unknowing second years who are guarding it and a certain man who was observing them, only stared at the rejected figure.
Miyagi sighed. He ran after the red monkey.
0o0o0
Akira sighed. What made him go to this fair anyway? Rukawa doesn't look pleased with being with him. He even looks irritated. And then… Maybe the Shohoku people are just being nice with him… But in truth, they're really irritated with seeing him…
Maybe he really should go back to Ryonan now.
He sighed as his feet touched the concrete outside the Shohoku campus. It's quieter out there, but the noise of the fair can still be heard. There was the "I'm just a kid" song from Simple Plan. There were a lot of shouts, laughter, and some other sounds that you can usually hear at a fair.
He had never been so confused before. He never did anything wrong to Sakuragi… why would Sakuragi say such words to him?
Just then, a low voice made him turn to his back. "Sendoh." The voice called out. Sendoh knew that voice. He turned around and saw Rukawa running after him. "Rukawa-kun!" He exclaimed.
Rukawa stopped running when he was four feet away from Akira. He paused a little so he can catch his breath.
"Umm… Rukawa-kun… Why did you follow me? Go back inside; you might be able to enjoy more with them." He said, smiling facedly. However, that kind of smile isn't the kind that will fool Kaede.
"Don't mind what that monkey said." He said in his usual monotone. Akira sighed. "But, you know what, he's right. I don't think you guys are exactly happy to see me. I mean, I came from the rival team…"
He was cut off by Rukawa. "What the fuck are you mumbling about there?" He snapped, stopping Akira. Akira sighed. "Well, you don't seem to be enjoying in my company." He said a little too straight forward than what he was planning to say.
Rukawa raised an eyebrow at him. He turned to the school gate, and motioned Akira to go with him. "That's what you think." He said.
0o0o0
Touya sighed as he stood up. Why didn't Kaede tell him?
Just then, his phone rang. Touya fished for it in his pocket. "Hello?"
"Touya, this is me, Mariko. Where are you? You promised me you'll take me to Shohoku School fair." A flirting voice was on the other line. Touya can sigh inwardly. He forgot about that.
"OK, Mariko. I'll get you. Where are you?" He replied. His voice is nonchalant, but Mariko can care less.
"I'm at our house. I've been, like, waiting for you since seven am."
"OK, OK, I'm sorry. I'm going there now."
He sighed with great relief. Mariko's flirty voice is beginning to hurt his ears. That is the "it's-time-to-break-up" sign. Hmm… when should he break up with Mariko? Besides, there is already a new girl who is flirting with him. The girl's cute…
He began to walk to the parking lot when he remembered what happened a while ago.
The boy who tried to kiss Kaede a while ago is not with the group of the teenagers now. He must have gone to the clinic, since Kaede's punch was too strong to be ignored.
He can feel his blood boil, but he better stay calm.
He calmly started his way to the clinic.
0o0o0
Akagi and the others, who were left at the pizza booth, could only stare at the man who walked across them. He is so much like Rukawa: The aura, the confidence, the eyes, the hair, the 'calm and composed' look… it's all in him.
The said man (who is actually just nineteen years old), glanced at them for a second, and then went to his destination.
"Do you know him, Akagi-san?" Kiyota asked Akagi. Akagi nodded. "His name is Rukawa Touya."
Ayako gasped at Akagi. "You know Rukawa's brother?" She asked.
Akagi gasped. "That is Rukawa's brother?" He asked Ayako, his eyes starting to get larger because of surprise. Ayako rolled her eyes. "Yes, Akagi-sempai. Didn't you notice that they have the same surname?" She asked in an as-a-matter-of-fact way. "Besides, we often see the two of them at the grocery store together."
Akagi gasped. "That Rukawa Touya studied here in Shohoku." He told Ayako. "He was the leader of the school dance troupe."
Fujima smiled. "No wonder Rukawa-kun dances great."
Hanagata gasped. "I didn't know that jock Rukawa Kaede is related to playboy Rukawa Touya." Maki gasped with Hanagata. "Why didn't I notice that?" Uozumi sighed. "Well, I once thought that it's coincidental."
Kiyota wrinkled his nose. "Who is that Rukawa Touya guy?" He is irritated that this Rukawa Touya is very famous among his seniors.
Jin smiled at him mildly. "He is the greatest playboy Kanagawa ever saw. He is also a dancer for a famous TV show. Very famous among girls…"
Kenji sighed. "He has the biggest fan base here in Kanagawa. He has the largest record of 15 girlfriends in two months."
Akagi winced. "That's what made him oh-so-famous. I can't believe that he was my goody-two-shoe classmate when we were in Junior High School."
Uozumi raised an eyebrow at Akagi. "That Rukawa Touya bad boy was a goody-two-shoe?"
Akagi nodded. "Yes. The type who is always the top of the class… Straight A+… You get the idea. How else on Earth could he have entered Tokyo U?"
Kenji sighed. "I had always envied that guy…"
Uozumi gasped. "Something must have happened… Why did he suddenly become a playboy?"
Akagi blushed. "When we were first years here in Shohoku, he transferred to another school…"
Fujima, who is so intrigued, leaned forward so he can hear Akagi. "Why? What happened?"
Just then, Kogure and Mitsui entered the booth. "Hi, guys! So, what's up with the straight faces?" Mitsui asked. Kogure just smiled. "I see that a lot of people from other schools are here. I do hope you guys have fun in our fair."
Jin smiled at Kogure. "We do, Kogure-san."
Mitsui nudged Akagi. "Hey, Akagi, what's up?" Akagi paled. "Uh… nothing…"
Kiyota, however, is interested in knowing who Touya is. "Hey, Mitsui-san, do you know who Rukawa Touya is?" He asked.
Mitsui and Kogure paled. Everyone in the booth noticed it. "Why did you ask, moron? I believe he is none of your business." Mitsui glared at Kiyota. Kogure is still pale, but he knows that he should be polite to their visitors.
"Well, Kiyota-san, he was Mitsui's best friend when they were in first year, before Touya transferred to an international school." He said politely.
Kiyota rubbed his chin. "Why aren't you friends now?"
Kogure sweat dropped. Akagi blushed harder. Mitsui glared at Kiyota. "We had some misunderstanding, OK? Now shut your damned trap."
Mitsui went to the direction of the counter. "Hey! Three pizzas: Two Supreme and a Ham and Cheese."
"It's already 10 am. Where's Rukawa?" He asked Ayako.
Ayako sneered. "Rukawa Touya or Rukawa Kaede?" So far, Ayako already has an idea on what happened two years ago.
Mitsui glared at her. "I mean Rukawa Kaede. And oh, where is Hanamichi?" He asked her.
Ayako bit her lower lip. "Well, something happened before you got here. Sakuragi ended up in the clinic, accompanied by Ryota, and Rukawa went after Sendoh."
Kogure frowned. "Huh? I don't get it."
Fujima sighed. "I think you better not "get" it, Kogure-san." Hanagata and Maki only nodded.
Kogure only stared at Akagi questioningly. Akagi sighed. "It's a long story, Kogure."
Mitsui handed Kogure one supreme pizza, and then ate his own. "I promised those three idiots something… But it seems like they're unavailable."
Ayako smiled. "I guess so, too. You know what, Mitsui-sempai?" She asked while wearing a mischievous grin on her lips. Mitsui raised an eyebrow at her. "What is it, Ayako?"
"Rukawa Touya was here a while ago."
Mitsui glared at her. "I know."
0o0o0
He walked silently as he neared his target. When he saw his target talking with someone, he walked faster. He bumped his target in the shoulder.
His target went crashing down the floor. His injured nose was the first one to touch the floor.
His target cursed. When his target looked up, he smiled a mocking smile. "Oh, sorry."
He then continued his way to the parking lot. However, luck was not with him today.
"OHMYGOD! Rika, look! That's Rukawa Touya, right?" A shriek pierced through the already noisy fair. Rukawa Touya stopped walking. He felt the hair at his nape stand up. Chills ran down his spine. Only two words ran through his brain. 'Oh, shit.'
He was not mistaken. When he looked at his back, there was a mob of crazy fan girls at his back.
Oh, joy.
0o0o0
Mitsui sighed. Two hours had passed, and yet he still can not understand anything going on at the booth. Except, maybe, that Rukawa Touya was here and that some people in the booth already have an idea about him and Touya already. Bad thing, if you'll ask him. But everyone should have known that already, especially Ayako.
To make things worse, Miyagi's already back at the booth. Even though there was this worried look on his face, he was already teasing him after he heard the whole story, which Ayako gladly told him.
Fujima laughed. "Don't get me wrong, Mitsui, but I seriously never thought that you can not be close with Touya Rukawa." Then, his smile became like that of Ayako's. "Let alone being close to him in a special way." He said. Ayako smiled at Kenji. Kenji smiled back. All the others are wearing the same grin, except the two Akagi's and Kogure, who were blushing, and Mitsui, who was really losing it.
"I don't get you wrong, Fujima, but I'd prefer that you keep you mouth shut from all those side comments that are unnecessary." He simply said. He 'HMP'-Ed and continued massacring his poor pizza. Kogure can only chew his pizza.
Ayako is difficult to handle when she is in her teasing mode. "I believe all side comments are unnecessary, Mitsui-san." She said.
Kogure stifled a giggle. He knew better than laughing at an annoyed Mitsui. Kiyota, however, did not know any better. He laughed. A vein is popping out of Mitsui's forehead. However, Maki sensed that Mitsui is getting a little too annoyed. He punched Kiyota's head.
"What did you do that for, Maki-san?" He asked. Kiyota rubbed the throbbing side of his head, exactly where Maki had punched. Maki groaned. 'Is he that dense?' However, Kiyota was still asking for an explanation. And, Maki also noted that there was a hurt look on Kiyota's eyes… but, it might be just his imagination or whatsoever.
He shrugged at him. "This is their school, Kiyota. Be nice to them." He said. Kiyota pouted. It looked like the same childish pout that a child will give when someone gets his candy, but if Maki will only look deeper in his eyes, he can see that there is something more than a childish pout. There is something more than that, something more meaningful than just being scolded.
Unfortunately, Maki did not see a hint of it, even just a shadow. Jin, however, saw it. And, at that same minute, two hearts were broken.
Others were oblivious to what was happening between the three. They were enjoying too much in torturing Mitsui to even take note of unnoticeable things like what had happened.
"Yeah, I guess Maki's right. We should be nice and respectful to Mitsui-san here because he is from this school." Kenji said. Uozumi smiled a little, but hid it behind his hanker chief. Jin just smiled and nodded his head. Ayako openly laughed. Maki smiled.
"Fujima, I guess that you can call me Shin-ichi." Maki said. Fujima smiled. "Are you sure? Then, I guess you can also call me Kenji."
Suddenly, there were hoots and whistles and other noises in the booth. People passing by suddenly looked at the pizza booth.
Mitsui laughed after he whistled. Miyagi is near to laughing, but he stopped it, so he continued his whistles and hoots. Ayako whistled, too. Haesegawa hooted. Even Uozumi contributed to the hoots.
Maki and Kenji blushed.
"Hey, Fujima, you were teasing me about Rukawa Touya, huh? I did not know that you can be close to Maki there, your rival, let alone being called in a first name basis." Mitsui said. He then laughed his ass off. Miyagi followed suit.
If there was something that was red bright that can be compared to Maki's and Kenji's faces, it would be a ripe tomato. And, once again, Maki broke another heart. This someone's heart was silently being pierced from the start of the day, and is already getting weary about being hurt again.
Hanagata can only clench his fist. He hated seeing Kenji with other people ever since he met Kenji.
Haesegawa laughed. Just then, he saw Hanagata being as pale as death. "Hey, Toru, are you alright?" He asked, elbowing his friend's side. Toru only nodded. Haesegawa, however, was not contended with Toru's answer.
"Hey, Toru and I are just going to the toilet. Would you mind telling us where it is?" Haesegawa asked Kogure, who was sitting beside him. Kogure smiled at him. "Go straight, and turn left when you see the anime booth." He said.
Haesegawa nodded gratefully. He pulled Toru up. "Let's go."
Toru was caught unguarded. "Huh? Where?" Haesegawa rolled his eyes. "The toilet." The two left the booth without much word.
Maki noticed it, and tried to use it as an excuse to change the subject. "Hey, where are Hanagata and Haesegawa going?" Maki asked Kogure. Kogure smiled at him mildly. "They said they are going to the toilet, Maki-san."
Maki was successful, because Mitsui stopped laughing. "No, really, those two are acting weirdly." Mitsui commented. Fujima, who bowed his head in his vain attempt to hide his blush, looked up to hear Mitsui more. "Hey, Fujima, they are your team mates, right? Do you know anything fishy going on between those two?" Mitsui asked.
Fujima's blood boiled. As far as he knew, no, there wasn't anything going on between Toru and Haesegawa. However, he can't tell it as of now. He gave them space, which might have been a cause of them being closer with each other. Haesegawa might have stolen Hanagata, his best friend. Who knows, they must be best friends now? Or worse, they might be more than best friends now!
"Um… Hello? Earth to Kenji Fujima?" Mitsui waved a hand in front of Fujima's eyes. He was successful, for it had caught the attention of the captain/coach of Shoyo.
Fujima smiled facedly, hiding his anger effectively. "Sorry about that. I was just thinking of them. I just figured out that Hanagata is, indeed, acting weirdly this week. I don't know why."
Mitsui laughed good-heartedly. "Um, like 'duh', Fujima. I don't know if you're really smart as people think you are, but it's really stupid not to notice that your best friends had fallen with each other."
Fujima can feel his blood boil to its limit. However, people in Kanagawa did not know that Fujima Kenji is a very good actor. He still had that good-natured smile in his face. "Yeah, I guess it's kind of stupid of me." He laughed.
If only Fujima knew the truth, then maybe his blood wouldn't boil like this, and his heart wouldn't be more broken than it already is.
0o0o0
From a distance, there was a figure, who has very sharp eyes and ears that he can see anything within a hundred meters. And that figure with knowing eyes can not be fooled by Fujima's realistic performance.
"I'll check that!"
0o0o0
Fukuda laughed. Really, it was a long time since he had laughed in front of someone who is not a member of his family. The laugh was relaxing, and it is not awkward at all. Surprising, really, when you are already comfortable with the person you like, taking note that you had just confessed around two hours a while ago.
Koshino is laughing, too. Almost nobody heard his laugh, because everyone thinks of him as another mother hen with no whatsoever things to do than be grumpy and be a snob to everyone. No one heard his laugh, except Akira, who he had given his full devotion, yet seemed oblivious to his feelings. He had always been ignored by him…
But that's about to change. This person beside him proved that he can make him feel important again. Both of them are kind of grumpy to the public's view, but they could care less. The hidden chemistry and unknown feelings were suddenly aroused that day. They did not know how, but yes, they realized that they are meant to be together.
Fukuda reached out to Koshino's side and hugged him. They already went out of the school grounds, so they are now enjoying the serenity of the park. It was a pretty nice thing that there was a park beside the school. The same pleasure and bonding session minus the noisy crowd.
And, there again, in the darkness of the shadows, a figure hid.
"I'll check that."
0o0o0
Hanamichi was really grumpy now. He did not see who bumped him (it was a very blurry vision), but whoever that was, fuck him.
Because of that guy, his injury worsened. Now, he has this weird band aid on his nose. Really, it's a pretty darned distraction to him while dancing. How on earth will he dance while having that thingy on his nose? People might laugh at him, damn it!
He made his way to the pizza booth angrily. People sensed this, and they made way for the redhead. Surely, no one would like to mess up with him having that look on his face. Hanamichi doesn't know if he should be glad or what that the Sakuragi guntai isn't here.
He stepped foot on the pizza booth. Everybody stopped laughing or discussing. They all froze, and looked at him like they saw a ghost. The booth was suddenly silent. All of them can hear the song: "Welcome to my Life" being played over the loud stereos.
"Hi, Sakuragi. What happened to your nose?" Mitsui asked.
Sakuragi glared at him. He should at least be grateful to Mitsui that he broke that awkward silent. He can see very well that the others did not say a thing to him, or to Kogure, who was just standing there, seemingly analyzing what was going on.
He made his way to the available chair. There, he slumped on the table. The others were still silent for at least thirty seconds, until Mitsui broke the silence again.
"Do you guys prefer women who wear T-backs?" He asked.
Kiyota smiled wryly. "Yes. Once, I saw this girl who was wearing a really fitted skirt…"
And, then again, the "discussions" of the young men ensued, making Ayako and Kogure turn really blue all over, and leaving Haruko oh-so-clueless.
0o0o0
The fair was very noisy, but between Akira and Kaede, there was a comfortable silent. "Are you sure that it's alright?" Sendoh asked for the umpteenth time, thus breaking the silence. Rukawa shrugged. "You're getting very irritating." He said in his monotone way.
Akira smiled sheepishly as he rubbed his nape. "OK… sorry…"
Kaede shrugged. Just then, they passed a booth of stuffed toys. Kaede stopped walking for a while. Akira noticed this, so he also stopped walking. He looked at Rukawa-kun. He seems to be staring at something. When Akira looked at the direction where he was staring, he saw a cat stuffed toy.
The cat stuffed toy is very cute. It has blue eyes and a very cute pink nose. Its fur is as white as snow with a patch of black at the top of its head. It has a fluffy tail.
Kaede sighed. He turned back to where they were supposed to go. Akira put his pointing finger at his lower lip. "Why were you staring at that cat stuffed toy, Rukawa-kun?" He asked.
Kaede shrugged. "I had a plushy like that when I was six years old." He said. Akira nodded. "What happened to it?"
Kaede placed his gaze back at him. He was giving him a weird look. "Why? Did I say something wrong?" Akira asked Kaede when he noticed the weird look the latter was giving him.
Kaede rolled his eyes. "My brother donated it to a local charity." He said flatly. He can still feel his blood boil every time he remembers how his beloved brother stole his favorite plushy to donate at his school. In return, he stole his brother's diary (which contained all his dirty secrets, like having three girl friends at one time) and placed it at his brother's girl friend's bag. They broke up immediately. That was the first time he had revenge to his brother. After that, his brother never did any mischief to him again.
Well, aside from the usual bickering and teasing…
"Nothing." He shrugged. Just then, he saw an exhausted, harassed-looking familiar figure jogging his way to the school exit. The said familiar figure looked at him for three seconds, then at Akira, and continued to his car.
Akira elbowed him slightly on his side. "That's the famous Rukawa Touya, right?" He asked Kaede. Rukawa shrugged. "He's my brother."
Kaede was about to walk when he noticed that the broom head was not beside him. When he looked back, there he saw his companion. Akira stared at him, his jaws dropped.
Kaede raised an eyebrow. "What?" His tone is irritated.
Akira had somehow managed to speak. "He's your brother?" He pointed an accusing finger at the boy in front of him. Kaede can feel his blood boil. He closed his eyes in annoyance. He had always hated whenever he told people that Rukawa Touya is his brother. They would go gaga and whatsoever…
Akira poked Kaede's shoulder. "Hey, Rukawa-kun…" Rukawa opened his eyes to look at the broom head. "Don't poke me."
Just then, the speaker spoke.
0o0o0
The speaker of the school started an announcement.
"Time check is 12:30 pm. All participants to the next program please proceed to the school gym. Everyone is invited to go to the gym at 1:00 pm. The school had invited guest instructors about dancing. There will also be a dance by the school troupe. Thank you."
"That's your dance, right, Mitsui-kun?" Kogure asked as he nudged Mitsui. Mitsui nodded. "Yes. Ryota, Hanamichi, let's go." He motioned the two. They obliged. The three started their way to the school gym.
Mitsui stopped for a while. "You guys would be watching, right?" He asked the people at the booth. Fujima smiled. "Yes, we will." Mitsui smiled and waved his hand as a sign of goodbye. He ran to the two's side.
"So, are you guys ready for the dance?" He asked enthusiastically. He did not get any response. Instead, he saw a sulking Sakuragi and a sighing Ryota.
Mitsui sighed. "What's up with you guys? What happened a while ago, anyway?"
Ryota sighed. "This idiotic redhead here tried to kiss Rukawa." Hanamichi glared at him. "And I believe that is none of your business." He fastened his pace, therefore leaving Mitsui and Ryota talking with each other.
Mitsui gasped. "Is this a joke? If this is a joke, this is not funny."
Ryota shook his head. "No, it's not a joke. Before you arrived a while ago, Sakuragi fought with Sendoh. Then, Sendoh left. Rukawa got angry with Sakuragi. He stood up to go after Sendoh, but Sakuragi held him and tried to kiss him. Rukawa punched him straight at the nose, and then went after Sendoh. That's why we were at the clinic a while ago."
Mitsui looked at Miyagi, not believing what he said. Miyagi shrugged. "And you… What happened to you and Kogure-san?"
Mitsui became as red as a tomato. "Ha? What do you mean happened? Nothing happened between us!"
Miyagi snorted. "Yeah, right."
Mitsui blushed more. "You muffin-head, stop changing the topic! We were talking about what happened a while ago!" He said. Miyagi had a smirk in his lips. "Then how come Ayako said that yours and Kogure-san's lips are more reddish than usual when you arrived?" He commented. This made Mitsui a red tomato.
"Stop it! Nothing happened, OK?" Mitsui said angrily.
Miyagi laughed while dancing and singing "Mitsui and Kogure on the corridor! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" This, of course, earned then some dirty looks. Miyagi continued laughing, oblivious to the world, when Mitsui was there beside him, ready to strangle him.
Then, they reached the back stage. It was, again, already filled with people. There, at the left corner, sat Sakuragi, chin on his palm.
And at the opposite corner lied Rukawa, head resting on his wrists.
Really, when you are stuck with two people who are currently having misunderstandings, it can be pretty confusing.
0o0o0
Mitsui, for the umpteenth time, sighed. What the heck is wrong with these people? They just won't cooperate, they just won't listen, and darn it, there was this awkward aura surrounding the dance troupe.
This poor relationship with each other… it can make their dance fail. Not only is he concerned about their grade, but they just can't perform well and enjoy their dance if they are like this! For once, he is breaking it!
"OK, what is wrong with you guys?" He asked seriously. Everybody stared back at him. They all wore irritated and annoyed looks on their faces, except Miyagi, who sighed. Touya stared at Mitsui blankly, then glared at the person beside him, who was Tokiya. Tokiya felt the heavy look on him, then glared back at Touya. All the others were silent. The twins, upon witnessing the two glare at each other, wore worried faces.
"Would you mind telling me what happened?" It was a question, but the way Mitsui said it, it seems like a command.
"Yes, we would mind telling you what happened. So just shut up and mind your own business." Tokiya snapped at him.
Mitsui sighed. Oh, joy.
0o0o0
A/N: So much for other people's romances. I guess I'm too excited to upload another chapter. And the mood in writing a "comedy" fic slipped through my grasp. I had too much angst in me: too much stress and cramming… Been very busy these last days, but I'm really glad that I am now able to update.
To all who reviewed since chapter one: Thanks for reviewing.
Jam: I thought that you did not review in this fic because this is not your "taste". I'm glad you liked it. But hey, you like all fics with senru hints, right? Did Kaede's first kiss catch your attention that much? I don't know how it struck me, but I just ended up writing that scene. And I don't want to have Hanamichi or Akira to have his first kiss. I don't want it to be any ex or girls, either… So, yeah, maybe that's the reason. Thanks for all your reviews, and reviewing my every chapter (especially that novel-long one. it's so fun to read!). Thanks a lot, Ate Jam! bows
Mikawa Akira: Hi! Are you also a writer in Your name sounds familiar… Anyway, I'm not sure if I'm making it a senru or hanaru. Haha… who knows, I might be able to make up one silly scheme again, and turn everything upside down! Hehehehe! Just kidding, I just want you, and all the other senru fans here, to be not so sure about the pairing, because just like the title, this is a CRAZY love web. But I admit that I am a senru writer (and fan), so I might have a hard time writing a non-senru. But a little challenge is welcome. (No spoilers for anyone. )
I'm glad that you appreciate my fic, even if it's not that realistic. I can see it in my eyes, just like the series… but I guess my words are not enough to describe what I am seeing inside this head of mine. Hope you liked this chapter, too.
Ally: Glad you read this fic! Yeah, I know that the dance was a bit "incomplete". But I do not know how to dance. I wish I knew how dance steps were called, so that I can give you a better view of the scene that I am seeing in my demented brain. Yeah, so many pairings… I counted them all and I got twenty. Make that twenty-one: Rukawa Touya and Mitsui Hisashi… I hope you'll continue reading and having fun with my fic.
Huey: I'm sorry about the lack of romance in this part, I knew you were looking forward to that. Geez… little romance and almost no comedy… What kind of chapter is this? Failure chapter? But this chapter will be necessary for the next chapter coming, so I guess it's not much of a waste. Right? Rukawa's mother would be… you'll find out. No spoilers, sorry!
I know you'll be telling me to update soon… I gave myself a sort of dare: I should update at least one fanfic (except this one) on July. Actually, blufox gave me that idea… How's that with you?
Diwata: I was wondering… what part of Slam Dunk was that? When Ayako and Haruko had their "moment"? Well, yeah, I guess Ayako is a little tomboyish. I once had an idea about having Ayako (in this fic) as one of the Rukawas, but that would make life harder. So, yeah, there it is. Are you wondering why there are no yuri moments here yet? Next chapter up!
Kuya q c Micchy: Who told you that this is not Mitru? It is! (Mitsui Hisashi x Rukawa Touya). Just kidding… but I'm right, right? There were Mitru moments before, but now that Mitsui has Kogure, I guess I'll stop. But there will be one last Mitru teaser. I don't know if that will be chapter 6 or 7, but somewhere there. I really appreciate it when you told me your opinion, and no, I don't mind other's opinion. In fact, I like hearing other's opinion. They might help me when I get into another slump.
Joys: Here's your update. Pretty demanding there, huh? But I understand you. Most authors update every week, and I update every month. Hope you'll bare with my slow updating.
Lydd: Oh, yes! I know it's crazy. Belated happy senru day, rusen day, and advanced happy senru day! Yes, I'll keep on writing senru (Check my profile, a lot of my fanfics are senru), but this fic is still undefined. I can't decide who Rukawa's partner would be.
Ai: When I started this story, I barely memorized the connections, too. Who'll end up with who...? I was thinking of making this fanfic eleven chapters… So maybe you'll have to wait. laughs Just kidding. But yeah… I'm halfway… or more, I don't know…
White-andraste: Sakuragi's concept on who he 'likes/loves' is pretty confusing on my part, too. I mean, I can see very well in the series that Hanamichi daydreams about Rukawa LOL. Just kidding. But, yeah, you better look forward to that…
Thank you for reading. Please review.