Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Slam Dunk.

CHAPTER 6

Rumi left Ayako's mind in turmoil. It drifted to a thought that she shouldn't be considering at all. She had to have some sleep; but her mind refused to. Even when she closed her eyes, his image was so clear, it's as though Akira never left.

This is bad; I'm losing my sanity. I must figure out how I'd get it back.

Ayako's mind wandered away again. She couldn't bring to a halt the feeling of uneasiness that consumed her since last night. After this day, her mind and heart will never be at peace. Don't let Akira get to you. You must never let him get to you or else you'll end up being a fool again. Stop thinking of him; or you'll end up neglecting your studies and your responsibilities as the manageress of the team.

It took all of Ayako's concentration to focus on the ongoing discussion. Even though she thought she was doing well in hiding her distress, Ryota sensed something. He could tell just by looking at her that she's preoccupied since yesterday. It worried him.

After class, Ayako gathered her books and walked past her chatting classmates. It's been a habit for some students not to go home straight away after class. She didn't feel like talking to anyone right now. All she wanted to do was just go home and think. Think is what I always seem to do these past few days.

Rukawa found a letter again. He crumpled the scented stationery while trying to control the irritation that's overwhelming him little by little. He couldn't tolerate it anymore.

He struggled to be calm; he had to get going or he'll be late for practice. On his way out the locker room, he bumped into Amira. He didn't know if she did it on purpose or if it's his fault. Again, he felt rather weird about her like she's hiding something.

"Sorry," he said, though emotionless, a few girls at the hallway were surprised to hear him say it. He walked off.

"Who is she?" the long-haired girl asked. "I don't know. I hope she isn't that important to Rukawa," the pony tailed girl replied. "I heard he doesn't have a girlfriend yet," the short-haired girl, hopeful. Rukawa heard all that; it only added to the annoyance he felt earlier.

Amira's triumph was cut short when he walked off without as much as a smile or anything after the stony 'sorry.' She couldn't tell if he's honest at all. Still, the fact that he said a word to her; it was an improvement of her so-called relationship with the guy. I just need to be patient and I'll be where I want to be. In Rukawa's life and if I get lucky, in his heart...

Ayako went to coach Anzai's office, while trying to formulate a good enough excuse why she needed to bail from today's practice. Once inside, and without bothering to sit on the chair across the old man, she told him she's not feeling well therefore she won't be able to handle Sakuragi today.

"Of course you can go home. Take a rest. You've been burdened with such a stubborn young man," the fat coach gave a friendly chortle, his fat chin shaking.

"Thanks coach. I'll get going," Ayako opened the door of the small office, small enough for the healthy coach to fit in. She was relieved that he agreed immediately to her request because there's no way she could possibly confide in him the real problem; it's just too personal. He might think she's being unprofessional; mixing personal life with what she should do as manageress.

Outside the office, Ayako sighed in desolation.

"What's that deep sigh for?" someone said out of the blue. She knew who it was without looking at him.

Ryota was standing a few feet away. Judging from his solemn expression, she had a feeling why he's there. It's not just a simple question.

"Well, I have to bail for today's practice. My head aches and I can't handle Sakuragi anyway," she told him, refusing to look him in the eye.

"Do you mind if I ask what's been bothering you?" he asked when he fell into step with her.

"What do you mean?" Ayako glanced at him, trying hard not to lose her composure.

"For the past few days, you've been preoccupied. You're not like yourself," he said, as he put his hands on his pockets, sounding concerned.

"Oh that? It's nothing. I'm just tired, you know with the Inter High coming soon and all the training and Sakuragi," she said, now looking him straight in the eye. If she wanted to get out of this situation, she had to show him there's nothing wrong.

Ryota was silent for a moment, pondering what she said.

Ayako held her breath. Come on, I don't want to deal with this right now. I hope he would just believe me.

"Okay, if that's what it is, so there's nothing really wrong then," he finally believed her.

Ayako could sense he's not completely convinced. Before the conversation could get any longer, she bid him goodbye. She almost ran down the hall in her attempt to get out of there fast, away from Ryota's intense and questioning eyes.

Ryota, on his way to the gym, decided he'll just let her be. He smiled because finally, he managed to talk to her longer than usual without losing his calm. He felt more like he's in control of his feelings for her. The more he's in control there's a possibility he could get close to her.

Ayako locked herself in her room to think. If Ryota noticed what's happening to me these past few days, then maybe some of the guys noticed it too. Earlier, she can't believe he approached her and talked about her state of mind. She couldn't let him know what's bothering her. He might feel as though he had a chance with her if she let him in on her problem. She's still bothered by his questions though.

In the hours that she had herself locked in the comforts of her room, Ayako was struck with a genius plan. It's more than genius actually; it's also bizarre. She just needed to think of the possible guys who would be willing to help her. She contemplated that if Akira wouldn't stop bugging her, she would tell him she's already taken and she's happy with her current relationship. With that, he will surely stop bothering me; I'll have my sanity back, right?

Nonetheless, Ayako couldn't think of a decent guy who's better than Akira. The new guy must be as good-looking as her ex-boyfriend. Never mind basketball skills. Without a doubt, Rumi would go ballistic if she heard this crazy plan. Well, it's not only crazy. It's absurd as well.

Speaking of which, Ayako heard the front door slam then Rumi's hurrying footsteps. Ayako decided to better tell Rumi now because she needed her cousin's input on the possible prospects for the 'boyfriend role'. It's now or never, she thought, while marching towards Rumi's room.

The door was partially closed and she could hear her cousin's muffled voice talking to someone on the phone; Koshino for sure. Ayako chose not to talk to her cousin now since she's into something important. This could probably wait until tomorrow. Before she could fully turn and go back to her room, she suddenly heard Sendo's name, which stopped her from walking away. She had this strange feeling that she needed to hear about it. She was curious. Though she knew deep inside it's not right to eavesdrop, she couldn't control the inquisitiveness. They say eavesdroppers don't hear anything good for themselves. But it's not about me; it's about Sendo. She strained to hear what Rumi was saying.

"What!? Are you serious? Since when?" Rumi was almost shouting, but in a controlled manner.

"He had a girlfriend in the states? Then why'd you tell me he wants my cousin back when he's already seeing someone else?" Ayako gasped but not loud enough for Rumi to hear. Despite the pain that she felt, she continued to listen. She thought Akira would always remain faithful to her, same way she had always been.

"What do you mean he had no plans of breaking up?" Rumi shrieked. "Having two girls at one time; that's ridiculous!"

Anger came over Ayako that she didn't care if Rumi realized she was listening in on the conversation; she made her presence known. "Hiro-kun, I'll talk to you later. Bye." Rumi instantly braced herself for what's about to come.

"What's that I heard about Akira having a girlfriend? To think that I'm going nuts, thinking what I should do when he gets back," Ayako sat on the bed; her anger controlled for Rumi's sake. The anger transformed into self-pity.

"I'm sorry Ayako. I didn't know until now. I'll tell you the whole story even though I know Hiro-kun would kill me. You still have the right to know."

Ayako had to get out of the house; she had to walk off the anger, the self-pity, and the pain. After Rumi told her everything, she just couldn't sleep. Her pride was hurt the most. But admit it, you still want to get back with him if he became persistent and determined to really have you back. Part of her was angry that he made a fool out of her. The other part was hurt that he had someone else back there. He obviously forgot about me so soon. He's seeing someone else. Which might only mean that he's over me even before I got over him, what else could it be? And he even planned on not breaking up with that girl when he comes here.

What did she expect? That he'd be single when he came back? That he's still in love with her?That the two of them still had a chance? Put it in your head Ayako, he's not worth it!

The longer she thought about it, the angrier she became. Ayako had no idea where to go; she was blinded by the tears that stung her eyes. The more she struggled to hold it together, the more it flowed.

to be continued