Disclaimer: I do not own the Slam Dunk characters.

A/N: Read at your own risk. There's a possibility that you may be disappointed, so don't tell me I didn't warn you... this chapter may not be able to meet your expectations. I guess all I could say is 'happy reading!' This is a very, very long chapter. (to answer to k8's request) Romantic moments? I don't know; just check it out if there is any. I'm not really a romantic person so I have no idea, seriously.

CHAPTER 16

The phone at the Sendo's residence kept on ringing.

Its shrill ringing pierced Sendo's ears. He was lying face down in bed, dreaming of Ayako. In his dream, they were walking by the beach like what they used to do every weekend back when they were still together. They were looking lovingly at each other and were about to kiss when the phone rang. He let out a frustrated groan as he reached for the receiver. He had no choice but to answer it no matter how sleepy he still felt and how he enjoyed the dream. Where's everybody? Am I the only person left in this house?

"Good morning, Sendo's residence." He answered the phone in a drowsy voice. He can't control the yawn that escaped his mouth. It may be unethical but he didn't care.

"Hello there sleepy head, missed me?!" It was a very familiar voice, a very enthusiastic and flirtatious one. It made his heart beat faster. Not in a good way though.

Sendo's sleepiness flew out the window. He didn't know yet where she's calling from so he didn't have to panic. He silently wished it was a long distance call. But a part of him reasoned out that she wouldn't be calling unless there's something serious going on. The last time he checked, he broke up with her. They were over. That's what he knew. Now, what's she doing calling him this early and with that unmistakable enthusiasm?

"Uh..." He cleared his throat before replying. "Where are you?" It sounded dreadful rather than excited. He had broken up with her but she didn't take it seriously. He shouldn't have given his phone number. Too late for that!

"Aren't you happy to hear from me? I'm finally here at my family's house, just a few miles away from you, maybe a few feet away," her tone was flirtatious.

"What?!" It was an outrageous reaction. If she noticed it, he couldn't care less. His mind was already devising plans as to how he could avoid her.

"I'm sorry if I didn't tell you about my plans. I wanted to surprise you. Can you pick me up later today? I really want to see you." She pleaded but Sendo had already made a decision. If he had to play hide and seek with her, he will.

"I can't. I have basketball practice until seven tonight." It's a valid excuse but he sure can squeeze her in if he wanted to. 'If he wanted to' but the problem was he didn't. And he couldn't force himself to do what he didn't want to do. He didn't want to see her right now. He had more important things to deal with like talking to Ayako for instance and maybe getting her back.

"Oh I see," she's disappointed and he felt guilty for being the cause of the enthusiasm draining from her voice.

Before he could stop himself, he blurted, out of guilt, "But I can see you later this week or next week. I just can't make it today." He somehow felt responsible to make it up to her even though they were over.

"Okay. That would be nice. Call me later?" She asked, expecting him to answer but before he could she said, "Bye!"

He stared at the receiver, in disbelief that she didn't even wait for him to answer back. Now, what will I do? She could be manipulative most of the time. And I'm like a slave to her whims. He put the receiver back to its cradle. He massaged his temples, feeling it ache after the conversation. The longing to continue the dream he's had about Ayako was completely forgotten.

During Ryonan's practice that day, Koshino and Sendo where in a corner, having a serious talk. Sendo pulled him away from the others during the ten-minute break.

"You what?!" Sendo's loud voice echoed. And the whole basketball team glanced at them.

"I'm sorry Sendo. It slipped." Koshino's apologized. He looked sorry about it. And Sendo can't stay upset with him forever so he forgave him. "That's why I stopped you from talking to her on Saturday. She might confront you about it. And you might have an argument right there in front of many people. You don't want that, do you?"

"Do you think Rumi told Ayako about it?"

"Let's just hope my 'loyal-to-her-cousin' of a girlfriend didn't tell Ayako." Koshino had the nerve to say it. It's not funny at all. But it might be true. He'd rather not hear about it because hearing it would only confirm the thoughts in his head about Rumi telling Ayako everything she knew.

"What if Ayako knew. What will I do to you?" Sendo hissed, as he paced the shiny hard court.

Koshino pretended to think before saying, "You can have Rumi." He still had the humor about what's happening lately which was his entire fault since he have to always talk to Rumi about Sendo's businesses.

Sendo could only grunt in frustration.

The next day, since there will be no practice that afternoon, Sendo decided to go to Ayako's school and attempt to talk to her. He's sure that she would not be dismissed until four in the afternoon. But he heard from Amira that the team's practice was until six. As he looked at himself in the full length mirror in his sister's room, wearing a cap that covers his spiky hair, shades as a disguise and clothes which Ayako wouldn't recognize, he hoped that she won't run away when she sees him. He hoped so.

He wanted to see her and talk to her. It's so overwhelming that he went out of his way to disguise himself just to get near her. He had assumed that she wouldn't even allow him to get near her, moreover, to have a word with her. So this was his last resort.

It's the second week of pretending to be together. And everything's fine at school. The Rukawa- obsessed girls were coping with it. They believed what they see. And they didn't seem to be asking for more evidence or whatsoever to prove that they're a couple.

However, the RU-KA-WA girls were still suspicious about the sudden turn of events. And Ayako had no plans of wasting her time on thinking what she could do to make them come to their senses and move on with their lives. But the way they would stare at her, giving her a measuring look, she was irritated.

At the court, she saw them staring her down as though they were trying to figure out what Rukawa saw in her. You're heads will only ache in trying to figure it out since there's nothing to figure out about. She wanted to tell them but controlled herself. It will blow their cover. And she wouldn't want that to happen. She can still tolerate their menacing stares.

The practice was back to normal. The team continuously improved and the vision of reaching Inter High competition was becoming real to them all, especially to Rukawa.

He's so concentrated on his practice that he was not able to be extra sweet to her for the RU-KA-WA girls' account. She wouldn't really mind but when she looked at the girls, they were observing her intently, like she's hiding something from them. But she knew better than to be intimidated. It's enough that it irritated her. She'll only be wasting her emotions on them if she let herself be affected.

Sendo was leaning by the wall entrance of Shohoku. He'd been waiting for Ayako for almost an hour now and there's no sign of her yet. He'd been there by five. He didn't mind being looked at by students who pass by on their way home. He didn't have to wonder why. It's because of the dark shades he's wearing. It's already near sunset yet he's wearing sunglasses. He must've looked funny. He's too confident to be shaken by those strange looks. And he's confident that his disguise is a success.

He wanted to check out the team's training but that would be too risky. He'd better wait outside than blow his cover. He already waited for an hour to give up now.

A couple of girls, ordinary-looking wearing cheerleading costumes with 'RU-KA-WA' letters printed on their top, caught his attention. So they're Rukawa's admirers and cheerleaders at the same time. They were on their way out of the gate and his interest peaked because they mentioned Ayako's name.

"I still can't believe that she's Rukawa's girlfriend. It's only been two weeks. I mean you know, sure, she's the only girl he talks to and smiles at and they're schoolmates but to have her as a girlfriend? They don't even look good together," 'WA' said. The girls stopped just a few feet away from Sendo, and he could very well hear what they're saying, it was so clear.

Sendo sensed worry and envy mixed together in her voice. He would have loved to tell these girls that Ayako's more than that, that she's amazing but that would complicate the complicated situation. Ayako might not be happy with it so he didn't. He listened as they criticize Ayako. It took all his self-control to not butt in and make these girls wish they never said a word about Ayako.

She was his only concern so he didn't bother listening when the conversation shifted to Rukawa. But it was hard because Ayako's name was brought up in between, they were talking simultaneously.

"Admit it, there's something in Rukawa's eyes that is unreadable but it was only now that I've seen it. Whenever he looks at her, he didn't only smile sincerely but his eyes tell a million things."('KA' girl said.)

The statement was too clear to miss. Sendo was so sure that Rukawa's in love with Ayako. And maybe she loves him too.

(The 'RU' girl butts in.) "But how can we be sure that he loves her when all were familiar with was that trademark cold exterior of his?"

"I don't know. All I know is, he loves her." ('KA' girl) said with conviction and finality.

And Sendo saw the other two girls' facial expressions. The one seemed over the guy but the two were still sulking. What are they capable of? I hope they wouldn't try anything stupid or do something to get back at Ayako.

Ayako didn't feel like going home after the practice so she asked Rukawa if he could join her at the roof top. Before going there, she made sure there's no one following them. She saw the 'RU-KA-WA' girls leave earlier thought she's not sure of their location right now. The school will not be closing until seven so they still have an hour.

She had to tell him something but Rukawa seemed to have something to tell her too. She looked at him inquiringly. They were both leaning on the railing.

"It had always been my dream to be the best basketball player in this district. And, eventually, in all of Japan." He was looking at her then shifted his gaze towards the horizon where the sun begins to set.

She sighed deeply. He sounded like Sendo. Basketball this, basketball that, always basketball. Why am I even here, why am I the manageress of the team when it only reminds me of him. Am I a masochist or what? In one of their dates, a few days before they last saw each other, Sendo would always talk about basketball. It's not that she minded it but what must her reaction be if all they would talk about was that as though it's the only interesting thing in the world?

But as she listened to Kaede talk about his dreams, she finds herself listening to every word he said. It's because it's the first time I heard him talk like this, his eyes were beaming with passion.

"You're great." She told him honestly with no intention of flattering him. She was only telling him what she saw.

"How great?" he asked, his gaze fixed in the sky. But the smirk that crept on his lips, she could see. He must've not thought she would give him a compliment.

"You can be the best basketball player, if you tried harder. And I could see you're trying hard but remember, be patient."

There was a brief silence. Only the night breeze as the leaves rustled could be heard. And some students down were saying their goodbyes.

"Kaede, what will you do if you found out that you are being two-timed?" It's the timing she's been waiting since they got there. There was no hint of any emotion in her voice and still Kaede had to look at her to be sure he's not missing on something. He was surprised by her question.

"I don't really know. Why do you ask?" His beautiful eyes were focused on hers.

"It's Akira, I mean Sendo. He had a girlfriend in the two years he's been gone. Rumi told me that Sendo wanted me back. What he wants is impossible."

Her voice was weak when it should have been filled with conviction and determination. It's as if she's only saying it to convince herself.

"If you ask me, he can get what he wants and it all depends on you. You said you still love him. To be fair, you have to talk to him first to know the real reasons. And if it doesn't satisfy you, then you can end it."

The wind blew her curls that dangle on the sides of her face. She took the wisps of hair and pulled it behind her ears before saying "You're right. I have to talk to him. So I could end it. We didn't have a formal break-up that's why I feel I owe it to him to at least talk to him and maybe hear him out." She looked at him and saw the sympathy in his eyes.

Little by little, Ayako saw Kaede was capable of feeling emotions and even showing it. She saw a lot of it in the past few days.

"You know, I never thought I'd get to talk to you like this and see you showing various emotions."

"I'm not as cold as you and the others think I am. It's just a defense mechanism." He explained as he smiled a little at her. And she was right. "Thank you for helping me with the girls around school. They sure have stopped sending me love letters and giggling behind my back. But the cheerleaders didn't seem affected."

"You're right. They never give up," she said.

"Before I forget, here are your clothes." She rummaged through her bag, searching for it. "Thank you for lending me. I'm sorry for returning them this late." She smiled at him gratefully.

"You know what, I like photography." Ayako said out of the blue.

"Really?" There was a glint of interest in his eyes.

"Yes. I do it during my spare time. Want me to take pictures of you and show you just how good I am?" She challenged and Rukawa could only laugh quietly.

"Hey, why don't we go to the beach or somewhere so I could take pictures?" Ayako suggested her face excited.

"You're really serious about taking my picture, aren't you?" Rukawa asked a bit baffled. He never liked his pictures taken but for her sake, he might just give it a try.

"What? You don't like the idea? We can become rich. Surely, a lot of girls would buy your pictures." She was just kidding.

"I'm not photogenic you know. I don't want your film to be wasted." Rukawa said, testing her patience.

But she's just too persistent that he relented in the end. "Come on. You've got to be kidding me. You're photogenic, I could see," She said this as she walked backwards, her hands in a gesture of taking his picture.

They both didn't notice the rock that was blocking Ayako's way. She almost fell on her butt, like the previous, she lost her balance. But Rukawa's reflexes were faster than her fall. He caught her by her waist. And their bodies were so close that from a far view, they could be hugging each other.

"Be careful," Rukawa said in a husky voice. His senses were once again filled with Ayako's mild scent.

Sendo stood rooted a few feet away. He saw what happened. It seemed like they were hugging each other; they were too close that he wouldn't be surprised if they will kiss next.. And that's not the sight he wanted to see. He saw how they looked at each other, Ayako smiling at him as her arms were around his neck and Rukawa's arms were on his waist. He couldn't take it so he went home feeling jealous and what, annoyed. Annoyed with what he saw or the scene he was somehow forced to see.

Ayako regained her composure and laughed at her clumsiness. "Sorry about that. I'm clumsy, aren't I?" She said while straightening the wrinkles on her shirt.

"You're not."

"I am. Can't you remember? This is the third time you saved me from my fall. Anyway, back to what we're talking about earlier. You can't say no. So let's meet on Saturday. I'll go to your house because it's on the way to the beach." Ayako took out her cap and wore it. Rukawa didn't have to see her flushed cheeks. That was close, too close.

For that week, the team will have to undergo a tougher training compared to the previous ones. Akagi said they shouldn't be lying around, relaxing when the elimination was only a month away. They have to work hard on their training if they want to win.

Ayako saw the determination in the members. As for her, she'll always be there to support them all throughout, encouraging them.

Almost a week after the practice game with Ryonan, she realized that she never got a surprise visit or anything at all from Sendo. She thought that that week, they would finally talk about "them." Maybe that won't be happening anytime soon.

Friday after practice, Kaede was as usual by Ayako's side on their way to her house. She was stunned at the sight of a man standing there by the front door. He looked so familiar that Ayako's heart pounded so fast when she realized it was Sendo, once her Akira. He was about to ring the bell but was cut short from his attempt because he must've felt her presence. She immediately grasped Rukawa's hands, for support or for Sendo's sake, she didn't care. They were several feet away and she felt she could bridge the gap with just staring back at each other. Kaede's presence had been comforting these past few days. It became on impulse to hold his hand when something she couldn't comprehend or deal with happened. Today was not an exception. In fact, that time was not at all an exception to the times when she felt uncomfortable.

Even though his hand was comforting and sort of secures her, her thoughts became blank when she saw him again, Sendo, standing there and was obviously waiting for her.

Keade saw her reaction. To remind her that he's there, he put his hand, which he freed from her grasp, on her shoulder.

"I think I should get going." When she didn't reply, her blank stare cannot be concealed by the night; Rukawa gave her a comforting hug, the kind of hug given to those feeling weak. And she's weakening by the minute. The sight of Sendo made her knees weak and various emotions like anger and sadness mixed were what she felt at the moment. She would have loved to faint, but even that she could not do. The first emotion stirred in her was longing.

But her determination to give him the message that she's over with him, she put on the act. She immediately adopted a cold facade. She had to be strong, for her, and maybe for them both, because if she broke down, it will only make the situation more complicated and the pain last longer than it should.

Kaede didn't know if he hugged her because Sendo was there, watching them from a few feet away. All he's sure about was that he wanted to comfort Ayako so he did what he could. He looked at her again, and she could only nod at him, determination evident in her brown eyes. That was all he needed to see before leaving because he knew she's strong enough to deal with him.

Sendo saw what Rukawa did. He had no right to feel angry but he felt jealous. He waited until she reached the front door. He took in the sight of her. Every detail, he had memorized about her when he left was nothing compared to how she looked today. Her curly bun of soft hair was longer; her skin fairer. And she's taller by three or four inches. She still looked amazing, not really stunning, but simple and a head turner.

When they're only a few feet away from each other, "Ayako..." Sendo restrained himself from hugging her like he used to do, burying his face in her sweet-scented hair that he liked so much. But it's not right. She wouldn't let him do that. He could see the coldness in her beautiful dark eyes.

Ayako's face was emotionless. He would have preferred if she showed anger or any other emotion, but not coldness, stony and as emotionless as he was now. Seeing her looking at him like that made him weak. She's treating him coldly. It's a bad sign. What do I expect, she'll run to myarms and everything will be fine?

He didn't know what to say. He can't read her thoughts nor guess what she's capable of doing. He cleared his throat before speaking. "I just came by to see how you are doing." What a lame reason to tell the girl he loves. But he can't think of any decent thing to say to her. It's not even decent.

"Sendo..." He heard her say his name. The way she said it gripped his heart. There's a hint of longing in there. He knew that the same longing she felt mirrored his own.

But the endearment was gone. And he instantly knew it's over. It's not what it was like before.

She finally looked at him and he saw her eyes starting to get glassy from the tears she's trying to control from falling. She was about to cry but she'd rather not let him see it. He was caught off guard when she hugged him tightly as they stood quietly in front of the front door where he used to spend time with her.

She cried on his shoulder quietly as he hugged her back. If he could only stop the time, he will be willing to stay like that, hugging her. But not in that state where she was crying her heart out because of what he did. He will never make her cry again, that's a promise if she would only take him back.

"What took you so long?" Ayako was referring as to why it was only now that he finally got the courage to talk to her. But Sendo thought about the two years he'd been gone. In a way, she seemed to refer to that one. Sendo felt it was not necessary to tell her he'd waited for her yesterday.

"Ayako, I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you. I really am." Sincerity was evident his voice. She didn't say a word. She freed herself as she wiped the tears dry. He handed her his handkerchief. "If there is one thing I've regretted not doing, it's not having the courage to tell you goodbye before I left. But it would only be more painful for me to say goodbye to you and leave. I can't even decide for myself about our relationship." There was a hint of regret in his voice.

And when she finally spoke, it broke his heart "I loved you Sendo. I was happy with you." She looked at the ground then met his gaze. "You could have at least said to my face that you don't love me enough to tell me about your plans. I've always been there to support you. We could have worked out our relationship. I was willing to wait for you, to endure a long distance relationship as long as I can. We could've at least given it a try," she explained.

Sendo's heart constricted at this. He wanted to go back to the time when he was about to go. So he could've prevented this from happening, see her cry like this, hear her say she didn't love him anymore, and hear her say it's totally over.

"I know you had a girlfriend there. I won't blame you if you had moved on so fast. I'm not saying this because I didn't have one since you left. I'm just saying that one of the reasons why we should end it here is because of that." She sat at the steps and Sendo did the same.

"But as you know, I'm happy with Kaede." Her voice lacked conviction but she was telling the truth. At least she believed so. Sendo didn't have to know how uncertain she felt at the moment. Kaede was one of the stable persons in her life right now.

Ayako averted her gaze because he might see how unsure she was. But he did not notice because he was filled with regret and remorse. The thought that it's finally over was still hard to grasp.

"I broke up with her before I have to come back here. I admit that I want you back Ayako. What you heard is right. All I could think about was what I have to do to win you back. But I guess I was too late." There was sadness in his voice.

Ayako, regardless of the truth that he was involved with someone abroad, would have been glad to hear him say it. But she's not. She will never feel the same for him. It's weird but was it really the only reason, the 'girlfriend' that she's breaking up with him or was there something else? She had to find out soon.

She will never forget that he was able to move on in the two years they've been separated. That's what she saw but then he must have had a good excuse why he dated 'her'.

He could have at least been faithful to their relationship even though there's a possibility then that it won't work out. She was partly to blame. If only she accepted his phone calls and letters. She didn't read those because she was blinded by the pain. Maybe they were not meant to be together.

"I'm not trying to earn back your love or trust by saying this, but I want you to understand that I never meant to take you for granted. I was confused. I don't know what to do. I can't disobey my mom. It was my fault when I didn't even bother telling you the plans I've had. It was because you might disagree with it and stop me."

"You're right, maybe I'll try to stop you, but then I'm not that unfair to stop you from dreaming big. I loved you enough to understand you."

Sendo was silent when realization dawned on him that Ayako would understand no matter what his plans were. She had always been supportive and he wondered why he doubted her.

"But that's all in the past. Let's forget about it even though it's hard to do because it will take time. That's the least we could do." She risked a glance at him and tried to smile, a small smile was all she can manage at that time. It looked more strained when she tried to control it.

She sighed, to shake away the feeling that came over her, "You know, after all that has happened I finally felt free." Ayako said, a glint of sadness the same as his was unmistakable in her beautiful eyes. "Friends?" She stretched her hand and he accepted it.

"Yes, I think. It's better this way than having you angry with me for the rest of your life." Sendo returned the same smile and sighed. She hugged him in a comforting way and he could only think of how he would mend his broken heart.

Rukawa can't stop pacing in his room.

He's worried about Ayako. And was more worried with... he didn't want to get there...he didn't even want to entertain that thought... but it was futile to stop it.

What if they got back together?

Anyway, what's it to me? It's their business, not mine.

He can't understand why he felt scared. Maybe he might start receiving horrible love letters again, was that it? That's bull. He knew that they would have to stop the pretentious relationship once she reconciled with him. But she told him that she would end it so there's nothing to worry about. He's only being paranoid.

He would know it tomorrow so it's pointless to ponder about it. It's Ayako's final decision that would matter. He walked over to his bed and took the clothes out of the plastic bag and placed it in his closet. He caught a swift scent of a mild fragrance, which reminded him of her.

If they would have to stop the act, he would miss her sweet mild scent that he'd been used to since they begun this whirlpool of deceit and pretenses, no doubt about that.

to be continued

A/N: Forgive me for the boring dialogue between Sendo and Ayako. I have no brilliant ideas on how I can make them engage in a heated confrontation. I don't want to make Ayako hysterical anyway so I guess that's all that I could manage. I decided to make Sendo give up that easily despite Amira's encouraging words because he would play some part in the AyaRu relationship. And besides, I want to end this story up to chapter 20 only (that's not decided yet). It's gotten too long and too old that I'm running out of ideas... and I have no idea where this is going. Thanks for the previous reviews.

Anyway, tell me what you think of this chapter...