Disclaimer: I do not own Slam Dunk.

CHAPTER 10

Rukawa was on his way to the locker room to change for practice when he saw Ayako from a distance accompanied by Ryota. As much as he wanted to deny that she's pretty, he can't stop himself from appreciating it, after all it's only normal. And he can't help but wonder why Sendo did whatever it was that he did.

He immediately checked himself on minding other's business. He felt out of place thinking about other people's problems especially Ayako's. Yeah right. Isn't that a little too late for that. He was already involved. He shook the thought out of his head and walked towards the locker rooms before they notice him. He'd better change and warm-up or he'll get a headache from pondering why he said yes to Ayako. Maybe I should just think of what I would get from this arrangement. I hope those girls would leave me alone when our supposed-relationship is out in the open. Ayako's plan is worth a try.

At the second half of practice, Ayako handed Rukawa a towel. He seemed to have an idea what she's doing or why she's been more accommodating. Maybe she's starting to act like my girlfriend or something. But any girl could do what she's doing. Anyway, that's a start. The problem is will I be able to play the part. He had no doubt Ayako can play her part well, but what about him?

Rukawa felt tired thinking and he felt a sudden urge to go home, more preferably sleep on it. He sometimes thought that he already got used to the trainings and practices. But it seemed that the nearer the competition was the harder the practice became. He wiped the towel on his hair that's already wet from sweat. It's a good thing he never got sick from the training he's been getting since school started.

It was already six o'clock when the practice ended. While the players went to the locker room, Ayako was still pondering on whether she should talk to Rukawa or not. After a while, she finally gathered enough courage to approach Rukawa. I have no reason to feel this uncomfortable. This is Rukawa. I just talked to him the other night and I felt comfortable around him. Why feel uneasy now? We haven't even started on the plan yet.

Before she could change her mind, she called out his name which sounded more like a squawk than what it should sound, which was that of being at-ease. "Rukawa, we have to talk."

He stopped in his tracks. He was on his way to the locker rooms to change. He looked at her with that emotionless expression. "Okay. I'll just freshen up. Wait for me here, this won't take long," he told her before he hurried away.

Ayako smiled a bit. She sat at a chair at the corner of the court. She took off her red cap and started massaging her temples. She's not used to letting her hair free from a ponytail. This morning, she decided on a new look but then she just can't stand it when her hair was loose. She felt like they're sticking out and they're too big and messy. She took a brush from her small duffle bag. Having the duffle bag made her feel like she's one of the players. Well, almost because the guys' duffle bags are bigger than hers. She started combing her hair and immediately tied it. She put her red cap in the bag. Rumi always tells her to stop wearing a cap because it causes baldness in the long run. But due to her stubbornness she continually wears it. And fortunately, she's not bald yet.

After almost five minutes or maybe more of waiting, the guys finally came out and said goodbyes. Ryota was the last and Rukawa was nowhere in sight.

"Waiting for Rukawa?" Ryota said while walking towards her.

"Yeah, I have to talk to him about something." Ayako said without elaborating.

"Okay, bye." Ryota said, walking backwards with his hands stuffed in his pockets.

Ayako's gaze followed Ryota's figure as it disappeared.

After a while, Rukawa came out looking clean. And gorgeous, as usual. No doubt a lot of girls would kill to be on my shoes the moment they learned that I'm his girlfriend for who knows how long.

Ayako smiled at the thought, while standing and picking up her bag.

Rukawa saw her smile, a mischievous smile which made him curious enough to ask. "What's that smile for?" Rukawa said as he swung his duffle bag on his shoulder and took Ayako's duffle bag.

"You don't have to carry it. It's not that heavy." Ayako protested, wrestling to get the bag out of his grasp.

"Don't be stubborn." He told her while gripping the bag handle tighter so she won't be able to get it. He was waiting for her to answer his first question.

"Is it okay with you if we would just walk while we talk?" Ayako said instead, realizing there's no point in arguing with him about the bag. She should probably give him the chance to be at least a gentleman; he needed practice on how to be a boyfriend, even though no one's watching.

"It's okay. It's a good thing I didn't bring my bike today," he said while shrugging his shoulders. Lean shoulders to be specific. Ayako stop that! She realized she's beginning to notice Rukawa's physical features. She tried to focus on the real reason why she's there but the guy's presence was too strong to miss and too demanding for attention. Now I think that's the reason why girls like him so much.

"The reason why I'm smiling is that I just realized how gorgeous you are when you walked out of the locker room," Ayako said this while trying to avoid the puddle. She didn't notice that Rukawa's expression changed a bit. He was surprised by her compliment. It's strange that he would hear it from Ayako. But he was not yet ready to show that side of his, the side where he could also feel other emotions other than coldness and determination. Before Ayako could see his surprised look, he immediately replaced it with the cold expression he's used to wearing.

"I was just thinking of how your admirers would react. Rumi said I should be careful. I might receive letters, like threats to be specific." Ayako looked up to him, still smiling, without a trace of worry. "What do you think? Should I have a reason to be afraid? Surely, a lot of girls would kill to be in my shoes."

"Don't worry about it. I think they're not that serious about me to be that violent. They will eventually realize how useless it is to continually seek my attention." Rukawa said. "By the way, what was it you want to talk to me about?"

"It's about our arrangement. Is it okay with you if starting tomorrow you would walk me home? This maybe too much to ask but it would really help convince everyone that you're my boyfriend." Ayako said, silently hoping Rukawa would say yes.

"Of course, it only makes sense that I should accompany you home every day." Rukawa agreed.

"Even if that meant you're not going to use your bike for a while since we'll both be walking every afternoon after practice?" Ayako wanted to make sure he's clear on the subject.

"Yeah I guess, and my house is not that far from school and yours is on the way." Rukawa said.

"Well, that's all I would like to tell you. By the way, I've told Ryota about our agreement." Ayako did not minding at all if Rukawa would comment on it. She looked at him from the corner of her eyes.

"What did he say? Didn't he react violently?" Rukawa sounded interested on the subject even though his expression didn't give a hint that he was.

"He didn't. He took it calmly. And why would he react violently?" Ayako said while she ran her fingers over her hair to keep it from covering her face.

"The guy likes you. Anyone could tell. Why didn't you ask him instead of me?" He said out of the blue.

"I can't do that. I know he likes me but I only want us to be friends. It's unfair to him." Ayako said. "And besides, you also need my help." That statement was a sign that they should change the subject.

A brief silence passed. Rukawa was the first to break it.

"How would I act in front of the basketball team and other people?" Rukawa asked suddenly as if he didn't know actually what to do. He sounded unsure and lacked confidence.

Uh-oh. "It's up to you. Don't tell me you haven't had a girlfriend yet?" Ayako was not waiting for him to reply to that one so she was surprised when he said "I had one once."

"Oh." Ayako tried to change the subject. "It's up to you really, since you're the guy. But we must look like we're together, that's what's important."

"It happened a long time ago, two years ago, if I'm not mistaken." She wouldn't want to hear another story of a failed relationship now.

They walked for almost twenty minutes and finally reached Ayako's front door. "Thanks for your time." Ayako said. "Would you like to get inside and have a snack?" Ayako offered as a sign of gratitude.

"No, thanks. I have to go home. I'm tired and I want to sleep." Ayako noticed that he was indeed tired and looked like he need some rest.

"Okay, you take a rest and see you tomorrow then!" Ayako smiled at him, thankful for his company.

Amira had been following Rukawa and Ayako since they left school. She was not able to see the team practice because of her brother. She went home straight after classes because she wants to spend some time with him. But when she got home, he's gone somewhere, maybe out with his friends. She waited for another thirty minutes, but then Akira must've enjoyed the company of his friends.

She got bored at the house so she thought she might still make it to the basketball practice. And what did she find? She tried to calm herself and defended the situation. Rukawa's being a gentleman only since Ayako's his friend, the only girl friend he had at school. But Amira's too curious so she followed them.

She's sure they were not just walking but having a conversation as well. She tried to make out the words they were saying but unfortunately she can't because she had to be careful not to be seen eavesdropping. She can't be caught in the act of stalking. It didn't escape her attention that they were at ease with each other. They looked like they're together. Am I missing something here?

Amira hid behind a car that was parked one house away from Ayako's house. She was waiting for Rukawa's actions since she can't hear what they're talking about. She saw that Ayako tried to invite him in but he declined. She could see the tired look on his face from where she's hiding. Maybe he wants to rest because of the tiring practice. But what will he do if the circumstances were different? Will he accept the invitation if he weren't tired?

She saw the worried look on Ayako's face right after Rukawa responded. Ayako smiled prettily and waved at him before stepping inside.

Amira should have gone home since the two had parted ways already but she can't fight the urge to follow Rukawa. She's curious as to where the guy lives. She waited a few more minutes before stepping out of her hiding place and followed him at a safe distance.

to be continued