Disclaimer: The absolute undeniable fact that cannot be doubted is this: I do not own Slam Dunk. Pero pwede pa rin akong tumingin diba?

Calliope Medina Erato: thank you for taking the time to review… hehe... and I guess it's time for Karin for some self-realization and I think that what happened is also a contributing factor to understanding more of where she stands with Mitsui… and basically, just uncovering… layer by layer… hehe… oh, miyagi… he's certainly not lost… I mean in the chapter following this, we will see a bit of Miyagi reaction… hehe.. just continue to wonder… hehehe..

Coffeemaverick: hello… well first of all, that wasn't Karin who was chasing… it was just some random people… or else it'd be kinda weird if Takamiya knew and stuff… and besides she didn't refer to the girl as her or she didn't use "I" so yeah… well, it is Jin… hehe… I'm glad that you're interested of how I'll weave this pairing… and well… I need to put scenes like that, I know, it's sad… but in order for her to overcome and move on, she just can't keep on running away and avoid them like the plague… there's Jin anyways, so little by little, she'll learn to finally not feel sorrow or remorse or just a plain sad feeling whenever they're around…

Simmic: well… I guess I meant more of hanging around, lurk does have a negative connotation… but I assure you, he's not stalking anyone… heheh.. actually, there's another reason… right in this chapter… hehe…

Zytka: hello.. well, didn't that kinda ruin the ending for you? Hehe… well I think you should read Do You See Me? First because it'll help you not to be so lost… because The Writing On The Wall has a number of allusions to Do You See Me? And so maybe it'll be a good idea if you read only one for the time-being… hehehe… but thank you for your compliments… I absolutely don't want her to be a Mary Sue… hehe.. Just take your time.. hehe

The Writing On The Wall

I was in a semi-sitting position on the couch, pigging-out for the weekend, channel surfing because of sheer boredom and unparalleled laziness to do homework. As I was flipping absent-mindedly past the channels, I suddenly caught a video of some archers in practice. I placed the remote down on my lap and continued to watch.

The excitement that rushed through my veins died quickly as the reporter came to block my view. "The Yamada Kyudojo is open all throughout this week for visitors who would like to experience the culture, and the historical importance archery has served Japan for the years. This Saturday, from 1-4 pm, a 50 percent discount will be made available to customers who wish to use the equipments as well as the facilities available for a day. Just to try out and get a feel of the atmosphere, and to learn about the history of archery. All are welcome to come."

The address was displayed on the screen. Without second thought, I grabbed the nearest pen and scribbled on tissue paper the address. As the subject matter changed into the weather, I resumed to flipping through the channels finally finding a new TV series that was just starting.

I'm coming. It's so long! There's still one more day! I looked at the watch. It is taking too long.

I arrived early though still past the time it's gates opened, and found that though there were a lot of people, there weren't that much. It wasn't packed like the shopping areas when customers would go into a shopping frenzy whenever they had a sale. There were a few of the elite, who upon the release, the arrow hit exactly at the bull's-eye of its target. The others were okay, missing the bull's-eye, but still managing to get inside its circle. There were some, however, who did not even get the arrow to stick into the target, and there were still others who could not even properly release the arrow.

I approached the counter where I could borrow some bows and arrows, and the clerk helped me with picking an arrow and measuring it against my arm. She also gave me a bow, a glove, and even escorted me to an area where I could change into the proper attire.

After emerging from the changing area, I took an empty spot and stood there, wondering, how do I operate this thing? I mean, I've seen how it's done in TV but how do I do it for real? I found that the students, or members of this Kyudojo were busy teaching the rest of the population of the techniques and basics. I didn't want to remain standing there, posing like a statue, so I took my bow and arrow, looked around and found an instructor that I could copy.

I stood, sideways, spreading my feet apart. I positioned the bow to line with my left knee, while it's upper curve lined with the midline of my body. I flexed my right hand that was covered by a glove then I reached for the string.

"Do you need help?" Thank the gods there's someone to help me now. I think I looked like an uncomfortable idiot. "Yes. How do I properly hold the bow and arrow?" I faced you and saw, "Jin."

It was at first a bit strange to see Jin in the full Kyubudo attire than what I was used to seeing him in - Kainan's uniform. He let out a warm laugh. "Yeah. Who else?" If I had glasses I would have lowered them in that old-fashioned way as if to criticize him. "Why are you here?"

"Why can't I be here?" I opened my mouth to respond, to comment, to defend, to attack, but I came into the battle carrying no guns. "Nothing," That was it? "I just - didn't expect you to be here." Realizing that I had nothing else to throw at him, I proceeded with copying the instructor again.

I held the string as best as I could, and raised the bow above my head. I pulled on the string, my left hand bringing the bow back to level somewhat with my shoulders. "Do you know how?" I was trying to listen, you were trying to talk, and I didn't know which one to listen to anymore so let's deal with you first.

I brought my bow and arrow down, and held them out for you to accept. You did, a bit unsure as of what to do with it. I held you by the shoulders and directed you to stand sideways, and as you parted your feet you angled them a bit. I stood parallel to you and held your left hand to raise the arrow above your head. I moved in closer so I could move your right arm to hold the string. When you did, I held your right hand, motioning for you to pull at the string, you followed, and then I diverted my attention to the target. I moved my face closer to get a clearer view. "I think this is okay."

"You think so?" I knew your voice was faint, but it seemed to be quite louder to me than that. It was then that I became fully aware of just how close we were, that the distance between us was not visible if seen from afar. "Just release it." I then used that as a means to slowly move away.

I did not watch you, and kept my eyes only on the target. Concentrate. When you did not release as I had told you, I turned and your grip on the string changed, and as you pulled on it, you pulled the string past your ear, almost to your right shoulder, and your eyes were half-closed, unblinking, staring directly at the target.

Then you released. I heard the arrow hit. I returned my gaze to the target, where, the arrow was a bit off. I was both shocked and embarrassed. On the other hand, that shot wasn't so bad. "It turns out you didn't need my help anyways." It was a futile attempt to prevent the embarrassment from digging in any deeper. He didn't ask for my help when he said do you know how, he was just asking.

"Hey… are you alright? Hello? Hey, you-" I jerked back to reality, responding to his actions. "You don't have to repeat it. I-"

He finished it for me, "I know, you're not deaf." I was supposed to just say I can hear you, but that seemed very familiar.

Instead of a light flashing inside my head, my cheeks blushed in confirmation to my direst suspicions. He was the one who called? How did he even – there was the rain, there was a handkerchief that stroke my cheeks, there were the blankets that covered me. He was the one who helped me. Double embarrassment.

"I would've told you –" I didn't hear the rest. He didn't say anything. He stopped as I picked up my bow and arrow and walked past him, and as I crossed him, a small but clear "Thank you" graced my lips. "Your welcome." He didn't even ask what for. He just knew why.

Hehe… that's the end of chapter four… a bit of happy times, cause well, the story's been moving almost more on the sad side, so yeah… hehe… anyways, thanks for the reviews, even when had a technical difficulty… really appreciate it… next chapter… what will happen when "the four" are brought together? Hehehe… nothing too serious.. hehe... and just for the record... it doesn't seem to put the percent sign... can somebody tell me how? thanks...