Disclaimer: I do not own the Slam Dunk.
A/N: I had no idea what to name the girl who was once related to Rukawa then to Sendo. If you're familiar with Samurai Deeper Kyo and Get Backers, the name Yuya Himiko came from these two animés. (WARNING: You're about to read the longest chapter in this story. Prepare to be bored...bwahahahaha!) Thanks again for the reviews (in serious mode).
CHAPTER 15
It was a beautiful night as the wind blew softly Ayako's hair that was now free from the loathsome pony tail as Rumi would like to call it. She kept her cap on her side pocket and untied her hair earlier after leaving Ryonan.
"Kaede, is it okay if I call you that?" Ayako said as she tried to match his pace. She called him Kaede once and yet she still asked for permission.
Rukawa noticed that she looked beautiful tonight as the light posts they passed by illuminated her face.
"It's okay. You have to call me that for the next few weeks of our show anyway." He said dismissively as he put his hands on his pockets. He suddenly felt odd not to be holding her hand. But how can he, there's no audience for the show.
"What do you think of the game?"
Rukawa's face became serious as he remembered the game earlier. "They're strong; Ryonan's a serious opponent, especially that guy Sendo. He's good. His last shot made their team win," he said in a languid tone. Then he realized what he said. "Uh...sorry about that. You probably don't want to talk about him." Rukawa ran his hands over his wind-swept hair that was still wet because of the tough game earlier.
"Don't worry about it. It's better this way that I hear about him often. Maybe I'll be immune to it." Ayako tried to laugh at it but he doubted that hearing the name didn't mean that much to her. He can detect the indifferent tone in her voice.
When they reached her house, he said barely above a whisper. "Just so you know, I know how it feels to be left behind." He sounded all-knowing. She couldn't believe it; it's not the Rukawa she knew. Or maybe she didn't know him at all.
They stood there looking at each other. He was the first to look away. Not because the memory of his first girlfriend still hurt him but Ayako's gaze made him feel uncomfortable. She looked at him as though he's hiding something and she had an idea how to get it out from him.
"Want to tell me about it?" She prompted, encouraging him to share his thoughts.
After a moment's hesitation, he turned to her "Remember what I told you the other day, that I haven't talked about my family since... that time when I trailed off?"
"Yes." Ayako nodded, encouraging him to continue. They sat at the doorsteps since the night is still young. It's only past six o'clock but the skies were already dark.
"I had a girlfriend once back in junior high in my first year. Her name's Yuya Himiko. I often talk to her about my family and other matters. Our relationship lasted for more than a year."
"What happened?" Ayako was listening closely now since this was news to her, she never thought he would trust her with this. Maybe he had no choice that's why he's telling his story right now. Either way, she's still interested to know.
"She chose to leave me for her modeling career she had to pursue abroad. At an early age, she's a dreamer. She wanted to be a world-class model. She's beautiful and has the height and the confidence anyone must possess to pursue such a dream." As he was describing what his ex girlfriend was like, Ayako could only imaginet she must have been really beautiful and amazing to capture his heart.
He didn't sound bitter about it. And Ayako wished she could sound the same about Sendo. Not that she's bitter now. That's what she thought at first. But after seeing him at the practice, she somehow felt a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She knew one of these days, sooner or later, they'd finally talk and end their relationship for good, formally. Finally, there will be closure, an ending to their story.
"I convinced myself that I'll be fine after that. And here I am. I don't look that bad, am I?" He turned to her, smiling a little as though showing her he's doing great. All she saw was how handsome he looked tonight and immediately, after the thought crossed her mind, she mentally chided herself to stop with the discrete observations. He might catch on it in no time.
She never saw this side of him. "It had been three or four years I think. And I haven't seen her since," he continued. "See, I can't even tell how long she's been gone."
"Do you love her still?" Out of curiosity, she blurted out. Maybe he still does and he's only good at hiding it, but she had to know.
"I guess I loved her then, and now I'm over it. But I didn't try hard enough to stop her from leaving." It's as if he's telling someone else's story but his own. He had moved on.
"Do you regret it?" She found this interesting that she can't stop asking questions.
And he didn't seem to mind it at all.
"Regret what?" he asked, a bit confused by her question.
"Not trying hard enough to stop her." She cleared her throat at this. It's the same case as she was with Sendo; she didn't try hard enough. Why would she? She's not even sure if he would listen. She didn't want to think about it, about what might have happened if she only tried hard enough, maybe they would've been still together, having a long-distance relationship.
"Before, I did regret it. But now, I think I understand why she did it. Besides, I don't want to be in the way for her to fulfill her dreams. It's within her reach and I don't want her to blame me if she agreed to stay only because of me."
The front door opened which startled them both from their serious conversation. Rumi stood there, looking at them apologetically, "Am I interrupting something?"
Ayako and Rukawa both stood. "No." They said in unison.
"Since you're here Rukawa, why don't you join us for dinner?" Rumi invited him but he turned her down. "Maybe next time," he said, politely.
"Okay." Rumi left the door open.
"Kaede, thanks for standing by me just a while ago at the practice game. If it weren't for you, I would have run out of there." Ayako admitted.
"If you want to talk about him or anything, you can always tell me. I'll listen." Rukawa assured her and she believed him.
"Thanks again. Take care on the way. Bye." She watched him until she can't see him anymore.
He was at the kitchen, deep in thought. He didn't notice Amira coming until she pulled the chair across from him and sat, her eyes narrowing at her brother's face.
"Hey, what's with the frown?"
"Where were you? I didn't see you at the practice game."
"I was there. And I saw you win. Nice game!"
He was silent for a moment, his eyebrows creasing in deep thought. She's sure that her brother's sour mood had nothing to do with him not seeing her at the game.
"Sorry for snapping at you like that. It's just that..." his voice faltered, as he rubbed his temples.
"Do you have something to tell me?" She knew he's bothered. She could tell by the way he runs his fingers through his spiky hair in frustration. Why would he be frustrated when they won the game? I'm lucky I didn't have a hair like that.
"Only if you promise me you won't freak out." Sendo wouldn't be surprised if Amira will freak out. She didn't know about him and Ayako's past relationship. He hoped she will understand why he didn't tell her before. He felt the desperate need to tell someone and Amira's the only one around. "I know about Ayako and Rukawa Kaede. But it's not him that I want to talk about." He clasped his hands on the dining table before continuing. "It's about Ayako."
"What about her?" Amira asked, obviously interested.
"She's my ex-girlfriend." Her hands pounded on the table that it startled Sendo. He had this mental image of Amira, her nose flaring and her cheeks flushing. Thank goodness it's not what he's seeing right now. Not even close.
"Why didn't I know about this!?" She demanded, her eyes were wide due to shock.
"It was three years ago when we first met. It didn't last a year, our relationship I mean, because as you know, I have to continue my studies in the U.S. And it was mom's idea. You know I can't disobey her… so Ayako and I didn't really have a formal break-up."
"I'm your sister and you didn't even tell me?" She was hurt because he didn't trust her enough with it. She looked at him menacingly.
"I'm sorry. I thought it's not important enough for you to know." It's a lame excuse but Sendo tried anyway. He might get away with it.
Her expression changed from hurt to interest. "You still love her, don't you?" She propped up her arms on the dining table, watching him close.
Sendo had no choice. Since he'd told her almost everything, he might as well tell all. "Yes. But I doubt it if she still feels the same way. She completely ignored me at the practice game. And I didn't get the chance of talking to her after that."
"What's wrong with you guys!? You can't tell if a girl loves or likes you!" She exclaimed. And he knew where it came from. She was not only referring to Sendo but to Rukawa as well. The 'like' part, he supposed was meant for Rukawa while the 'love' part was for him.
"I heard she's with Rukawa." There was a hint of jealousy and regret in his voice. He didn't want to imagine what the two are doing right now, maybe having fun? Just forget about it. He commanded himself but a guy's imagination was hard to control most of the time.
"If you love her, fight for her." Her statement helped him refocus on other things.
"It's easier said than done." He said flatly, making her realize the understatement of what she said.
"I know. But if you love her, you won't give her up without a fight. That is if she still loves you and she shows a sign for a second chance. You have to talk eventually and sort it out." She reasoned out, giving him hope. So little hope for he was not sure what Ayako felt for him besides anger.
"Are you speaking for me or for us both?" He had to straighten out the real score between his sister and Rukawa. Even though there's nothing really going on. He just had to know what she's thinking right now about the guy, Ayako's boyfriend to be exact. "What will you do about Rukawa?" He wanted to know if she plans anything at all.
"Nothing." She said resignedly. "I think it's hopeless. You said so yourself that I deserve someone better so I give up. Ayako looks happy with him. So I think he's happy with her too."
Sendo was silent. "To add to my bruised ego and pride, he's not interested in me at all. He won't even give me a chance. And I doubt he will even if he's single. It's Ayako he's ever been interested with, I hear the girls say at school. So she will be hard to beat for the guy's heart."
"Thanks for reminding me that I have no chance with her. Can you tell me everything about Rukawa and Ayako?"
"Okay. But you have to tell me about you and Ayako." That's her condition. Even though it will hurt to talk about their past, he will try to endure in exchange for the details of Ayako's present relationship.
It was almost midnight when they finished their conversation. Sendo felt as hopeless with Ayako as Amira was with Rukawa.
Sunday morning, Yuya's plane landed in Tokyo. She felt overjoyed. She can't wait to see her parents and her friends. She got a three-month vacation from the modeling agency she's currently under contract with. At first, they wouldn't allow her to take a vacation, but then, she used her charm and brilliant strategies to get what she wants. So here she was, basking in once more at the familiar feeling of the wind on her face as she got out of the airport.
Her parents will surely be surprised. They didn't know she's coming but will be happy to see her. She's sure of it. And she's psyched to see their reactions.
In her three months stay, she decided she have to make the most of it. There's a big chance that she'll see Sendo around since she lived a few blocks away from Ryonan High School. It's something she's excited about. Her boyfriend will be shocked to see her as well.
She met him on a party once. If she didn't make a way to see him after that, which was by asking him where he leaves and getting his phone number, they wouldn't be in a relationship. The moment she laid her eyes on him, she knew he will be an important part of her life. That may sound serious but that's the way she felt about him.
Their relationship was not that serious but it's not 'fooling around' either. She loves him despite the fact that she never heard him say the words to make the relationship official. She would not dare ask because it might only cause an argument that might lead to a break-up. She didn't want that to happen.
They understood each other. It's a no strings attached kind of relationship. That's what she wanted and he was fine with it. She's contented until he had to leave.
When he went home to his family, she missed him so much. It's like a part of her was missing. She wanted their relationship brought to a new level, something that was more serious. She wanted, more than anything else, for him to say the eight letter word.
Even though he broke up with her, she's sure he didn't mean that.
Ayako took out Rukawa's clothes from her closet and put it in a plastic bag before stuffing it inside her bag. She made a quick mental note to give it to him tomorrow at practice.
After last night, she's refreshed and ready to face the world but not Sendo.
She sighed. It was getting too old. Eventually, she would have to face him. But it's taking too long a time and it's making her more anxious.
She went to Rumi's room, "I know you won't tell a soul about what I and Rukawa were doing or about all the things I've told you. But let me just ask, and please don't bite my head off, did you tell Koshino about my agreement with Kaede? Or at least mentioned something weird, which would lead him to the realization that this is all a show?"
"Ayako, I wouldn't of course. My loyalty belongs to you." Rumi didn't sound offended.
"Thanks." Ayako couldn't thank her enough for all she's done- listening and giving advice about the whole ordeal.
to be continued