Disclaimer: I do not own the Slam Dunk characters. (But I do own Rumi and Amira. And Yuya Himiko (somehow, her character but not the name itself).
A/N: Probably the longest chapter. Forgive me for I have this tendency to babble on and on and even though I've noticed it's getting longer, I simply ignore it. This is necessary, I promise.
(In case you're wondering why Ryota's not around, I just can't figure how to put him in. And Haruko, since the beginning she's not really around, so don't expect to see her in the next chapters, especially in this one. Hahaha.)
So…here goes!
chapter eighteen
It's Friday, and as usual, the students at the school canteen where huddled in their own groups.
Ayako and Rukawa were seated at a corner. But still, knowing Kaede, he's unceasingly getting a lot, a whole lot of attention, not only for himself but her as well. And since everyone was watching, well, not actually everyone, just the majority of the students there, Kaede was holding her hand.
The moment his hand touched hers, she felt a bolt of electricity. It was something she never felt before, or would never ever relate to Kaede. Maybe what happened that morning could be attributed to what she felt right now.
Besides that, the way he would look at her, barely readable, she felt like blushing. She thought that he's not capable to act that way, looking like she's the only girl he sees. It makes her feel wanted, and what, loved? Ayako, get over yourself. He's just acting! Giving herself a mental slap, she paid attention to what's happening around. She leaned closer, "Do you think they're buying it?"
"I don't know. I'm too much busy looking at you to look around and check out their reactions," Kaede said, with an amused smile. He said this barely above a whisper. She doesn't know whether to take it as a compliment or if he's still acting because if she knew better, that was only meant for her to hear. But it should've bee said a little louder than that for the girls' sakes.
She just shrugged her shoulders. There was silence, and she felt uncomfortable sitting there, being stared at by Kaede. "The beach. Are you still up for it?" He asked and it reminded her of their deal which she almost forgot.
Excitement immediately shown on her face, she said, "Of course. It's supposed to be tomorrow right? But, I can't. I have a science project. Maybe we can do it next week? What do you think?"
"Of course, it's okay." He gave her an assuring smile."
"Okay, if you said so." She said as she watched him eat his sandwich. The corner of his mouth was mayo-stained and he didn't do anything about it. So she did, again without thinking before doing so, she took a napkin and wiped it. She swears she's not acting. She just wants to get rid of that mayonnaise. "Thanks," he smiled his yet another gorgeous smile that she sees always whenever they're together.
What could she be doing better on a Saturday other than going to a grocery store and buying the items she needed for her three-month stay? She's been home, for what, more than a week and she's already bored to death. Akira didn't even call her. She's been waiting for his call since Monday.
She's not the type of girl who'll stoop low just so he would call back. One phone call is enough to get him to see she'll wait for him to call her. She doesn't beg. But now, she felt like willing to do so if it's what will make Akira see her.
She looked around at the store hoping she'll see someone who's familiar. No luck. She wanted to scream in mixed boredom and frustration. All she saw were some elderly people walking around with their baskets half-full. Some kids were running around as though they're in a playground.
She busied herself with picking up the items she needed. She better do this fast if she want to go home, and again, be bored to death. She can't believe she let her mother talk her into doing this on a Saturday. As she looks on the list her mother forced her to bring, it would take her so much time to look for those. She's not familiar with the store locate those items.
There's another thing she's looking forward to and that's the welcome party her mom organized for her. It'll be held on tomorrow. Which means it's only a week from now. She had to take care of the invitations. She had a lot of people, and Akira tops the list.
As she was rounding off a corner, by the window, her gaze rested on a guy passing by. His raven black hair and stance caught her attention.
She hurried outside leaving her basket by the counter and telling the lady behind it that she'll be back. She was out the door before the girl could even respond.
"Kaede!" She was running towards him, excited to see him after almost three years.
She was not able to control the eagerness she felt to hug him. He was astonished not by what she did but by what he saw. He was stunned when someone hugged him before he could even see who it was.
"Yuya?" Rukawa can't believe he was looking straight at the girl he once loved. She looked different. Her hair was pulled back in a high pony tail, dangling silver earrings fashioned her ears. Wearing an off-shouldered peach blouse and white fitted pants with matching high-heeled shoes, she doesn't look like her age. She looked older and of course, stunningly beautiful. A model, she stands five feet and ten or eleven inches tall. Taller than Ayako. Or was it because of the high heels?
"Surprised? I've been here since Sunday. You look good by the way." She said while giving him a playful shove. She wanted him to flatter her the same way. She didn't change. She's still fishing for flattery and compliments.
"You look good too." He said, looking at her with admiration. Just admiration.
Considering it had been three years since they last saw each other, she still felt comfortable with him, as though nothing had happened or changed. They parted in a good way back then, that's what she's thankful for.
"Wait here for me okay. We have some catching up to do. I'll just pay for the items there at the grocery store," pointing at the store a few feet away.
They continued their conversation at a coffee shop not far away from where they've been.
"So what's up with you these past three years?" She's really dying to know.
"I've been busy with basketball. You know that already. But what changed is that I'm more serious about it now than as I was before. I'm studying at Shohoku High."
"Oh. So, does that mean you're familiar with the other teams in this district?" She looks suddenly interested.
"Yes."
"I was wondering. Do you know a certain player of Ryonan named Akira Sendo?"
"Yes I know him. What about him?" He recognizes the tone. And it's making him wonder what would come next.
"He's my boyfriend. He's one of the reasons why I went home after three years. We met almost two years ago and he broke up with me. Could you imagine that?! But I know he didn't mean it." She looked so in love with the guy, he could not miss that. And she didn't hesitate to tell him about all that's happened to her.
"Hey, tell me. What's up with you?" She changed the subject and he was more than glad to stray away from Sendo but he's also worried that her attention was now poking on his so-called love life. That's what she meant by her question. How's his love life.
He cleared his throat, trying to swallow the lump that formed in it. He didn't know why it's such a big deal for him to tell her about his relationship with Ayako. He felt Yuya could see through him and be able to tell he's lying. The relationship is not true, that's what's bothering you. If it ere real, you would've have been so proud to talk about it.
Talking about Ayako for the first time in front of his ex-girlfriend is not actually planned. But since she asked for it, might as well get it over with. She's a part of the audience now whether he likes it or not.
He started talking, inventing a story of how they met. Well, it's not actually lies. He's just telling her the truth, the entire truth about the day they met. "I met this girl; Ayako's her name, in Tomigaoka high school."
The name sounded familiar. She heard it before, she's sure of it. But where? She can't remember. Instead of trying to recall deeper, she shifted her mind to what Kaede was talking about.
"When you left, I was still a part of the basketball team and I met her because she also loves the game. We've been friends since then. And you know me; girls don't easily get my attention. But her, she's so down-to-earth, simple, carefree and amazing. She's a year older than me by the way, but that didn't stop us from being friends. When she moved to Shohoku, that's when I realized how much I miss her."
But as the words came out, unconsciously, Rukawa is sounding like…like he really loves Ayako. As he talks about her, little by little, without him realizing it as he does the babbling, he's telling the truth. He doesn't have to act anymore because what he says about Ayako is what he really felt. He loves her. He's in love with her. He's been in love with her since then, back at Tomigaoka high school. He was just too busy with playing basketball that he failed to take notice of the feelings he'd kept for so long inside.
It was only now that he finally saw her, in a different way because he got to spend most of his time with her. It's something which he doesn't get to do before in his former school. She was the major reason why he enrolled at Shohoku.
Now he sees why. He'd always been in love with her.
What he'd been holding in for several days, thoughts which he didn't dare think of were now spilling out for Yuya to hear and he couldn't stop.
He talked about how different it felt to have someone by his side who understands him, who listens to him, someone to hold hands with, to be comforted with a smile knowing it's only for him, to be encouraged, most especially to just be with someone other than basketball, to have someone whom he can always look forward to seeing everyday.
"Wow. I've never seen you talk like that when you were with me." She bantered, not hiding the happiness she felt now that he's with a girl.
"Of course you won't hear nor see me talk like this. I won't tell you about what I think of you, will I? It'll only swell your ego." He shot back, which only made her laugh.
He, after showing so much emotion at once, tried to calm himself and adopted that cool façade. Cool is different from cold right? Only, a lot of girls misunderstand it, including Ayako.
He didn't think twice when Yuya invited him to attend her beach party. He plans to surprise Ayako since she canceled their 'date' that morning because of her science project.
The beach party will just compensate for their canceled plan for that day. He is excited to spent time with her, but the idea that it's on a party, with a lot of people around, he suddenly wished that they went to the beach that morning.
"Hey brother, how's it going with you and Ayako?" Amira greeted her brother, who was kind of moping at a Saturday. He was flipping through the channels, but actually doing it with his mind not on it.
Sighing his deepest sigh that day, "I give up. I set her free. It's finally over."
"What? I thought you said you'd fight for her?" She flopped on the couch where he was sitting. She reached for the remote and turned off the television. He's wasting electricity already.
Sendo was forced to face her and make her understand once more that it's over.
"I didn't say I will fight for her. You're the one who said it not me." He pointed out.
"Okay, so what do you plan now?"
"I'll see Yuya…after…" He was cut short because she interjected "What? Who's Yuya?" She looked clueless. Why wouldn't she be? He never mentioned Yuya to her.
"She was my girlfriend back in the U.S."
"And you didn't even tell me? This is the second time, isn't it?" Amira pouted and he explained.
This time, he told her everything there is to tell, when and how they met, how was their relationship, when he broke up with her, and her not taking it seriously, her coming here to see him.
"Wow. Now, seriously, what do you plan to do this time?"
"I don't know." His head seemed to have always ached since he went back.
"Hello, Sendo's residence, good afternoon." Amira said, waiting for the person on the other end to speak.
"Hi. This is Yuya. Is Akira there?"
"Oh, sorry. You just missed him. He went out with his friends. He had a basketball practice. You can go there if you like." He said suggestively, hoping those two would work it out, now that Ayako and her brother's relationship have ended.
"Do you think it is okay? I mean he wouldn't get mad or something?"
"Trust me. He'll even be glad to see you. I know my brother enough to get a vision of what he'll do."
"You're his sister? Wow, it's nice to meet you, though not personally."
"Same here. Hey, just go there and don't be nervous."
"Thanks. Because of this, I'm officially inviting you for a beach party tomorrow at around five in the afternoon. It's kind of a welcome party for me. Hope you could come."
"A beach party. Sounds nice. I think I'll give it a try."
"Thanks again and bye!"
After minutes of contemplating whether to go see Akira or not, Yuya made a brave decision to see him and to also get to see his school, however unsure she was of how he would react when he sees her.
She chose to wear a simple sky-blue dress; it's simple, but elegant cut accentuated her model-like frame. She paired it with flat sandals. She wouldn't want to be tripping in front of him or his team mates even though she'd been an expert as a ramp model. She'd rather not tae the risk of making a fool of herself. If she want to show off, better be safe.
If she had to look her best, looking simple yet elegant is the best choice a girl should take. She applied a light make-up and put on a lip gloss as the final touch. After looking in the mirror, a wide smile broke on her face at the sight of her.
She was humming while she drove off to Ryonan High. It's a good thing her mom let her borrow the car. She didn't feel like riding the bus today.
Basketball competition in the high school level must've been so serious that even Saturdays, the team is still practicing.
When she walked inside the court, looking all confident like the way she felt, she immediately spotted 'him'. He was not hard to miss in a crowd. With that spiky hair of his and lean physique, she could easily spot him.
He didn't see her, but the guys, his team mates were looking at her in awe. But she didn't care. It was only 'him' she's interested in awing. Not long enough, he saw her. There was surprise and then, he smiled at her.
The commotion, or rather disturbance in the practice, Sendo had no idea what caused it until he turned around to see Yuya by the gym doors, looking stunning as always. He's amazed at the girl's confidence to walk in there.
His team mates were darting him with curious glances. He excused himself from them. If coach was there, he'd tell him to stay put and finish the practice.
"What are you doing here?" He asked, while eyeing her, admiring how she looked that day.
"You said you'll call me but you didn't. So, here I am, I decided to come here. Aren't you happy to see me?" She said, as she moved closer to wrap her arms on his neck.
"I'm glad you're here." What he said is true. After the official break up, he felt somewhat relieved and glad to see her. But he had to be honest with her. He had to tell her about Ayako.
"I still have practice. Why don't you sit over there and wait for me for half an hour?" He said, hoping she would relent and she did, without any complaint about making her wait.
The surprise visit turned into a date. And Yuya was more than happy.
At a fastfood, not far from Ryonan, "I have something to tell you." He said, somehow feeling nervous. What if she loses it here and pours him the orange juice she's drinking? She's capable of that. He'd better prepare himself for the worst to come.
"What is it? Is it about our break up? You know I love you and I don't want our relationship to end just like that. You didn't even tell me why you're breaking up with me in the first place. Don't you love me anymore?" Her face was hopeful, as she leaned closer.
"Of course………I…I love you, but I can't just be with you without being honest once and for all."
"You really love me? I can't believe you just said that. It's what I've been waiting to hear from you for so long." She really looked happy, her eyes were dancing, and it's all Sendo could do, stare at her, to keep himself from breaking to her the bad news.
"So okay, tell me. What's this all about?" It was evident in her face that she loved what she heard. But, what he's going to say next might hurt her. It's now or never. If he wants to move on, he must tell her now.
"It's about my ex-girlfriend. Remember, the one I told you about, Ayako? When we were still dating and became an item, she and I were not yet officially over." That's all he had to say to get Yuya's shocked eyes staring back at him.
"But we're over, completely over. You can ask her. I talked to her a few days ago. That is why I can't see you without a definite status of my past relationship."
If she were irrational, she would've screamed. But it made sense, why he broke up with her, why she's here, hearing the entire truth. "So, let me get this straight. She's the reason why you came back here? Do you still love her? What did you two talked about?" There was jealousy in her voice and he can't blame her.
"I'm confused. That's the reason why I ended our relationship. To tell you the truth, I still love her. But she's moved on. I can't do anything about that. That just means I have to move on as well."
"What now? As much as I love you, I don't want you to feel pressured. Think about it. Think about us." She was saddened by the realization that she had to give him space. She won't be able to take it that while he was with her, his heart was somewhere else. If ever they were together, she wanted all of him, most importantly, his heart, to be hers only.
"Moving on is all I could do for now. I'm sorry if you have to hear all these. Ayako's already happy with Kaede…" He trailed off when Yuya exclaimed "What?!? Did you just say Kaede? Kaede who?" She had an idea it was her Kaede, well 'her Kaede', before, but she asked still to be sure.
"Kaede Rukawa. Do you know him?" Sendo was skeptic. And Yuya was frowning. Now it made sense. That was why the name Ayako seemed familiar. Kaede was talking about her early that morning. How could she have forgotten it so easily? Her mind must have wandered off to somewhere when Kaede mentioned that name.
"He's my ex boyfriend. You probably didn't know about that since I haven't mentioned anything about him to you. What a small world, isn't it?"
Sendo was shocked. Why did this have to happen?
It was set, the beach resort where Yuya's party will be held. It will start at around five in the afternoon till nine in the evening. There's a dance floor under the trees where lights and lamps were hanging. It looked romantic. She can't wait to dance, dance with Akira that is.
Yuya invited Akira and told him to invite his friends too. She didn't tell him that she invited Kaede as well, and who knows, he might be bringing along Ayako with him. She's pretty sure their relationship was smooth-sailing. Unlike hers and Akira, it's no where to be found.
She invited as many people as she could get. It's a party anyway. It'll be a waste of time and money to not be inviting a lot of people, whether she knew them or not.
The party is about to start in thirty minutes. She was wearing a green tube dress. She could fill chills running down her spine so she paired the dress with a shawl to warm herself.
"Ayako, can I borrow your earrings? They look good with my outfit." Rumi can't hide the excitement.
Ayako felt reluctant to go to the party. She didn't know why she even said yes to this. But she had to admit, it was mainly because Kaede persuaded her to go. He reasoned that it'll be an alternative to their plan that didn't push through.
"Cheer up, will you. We're going at a party, not a burial."
"You know I hate parties."
"What about Kaede. I think he hate parties too but still, look, he did this for you. I mean, he's willing to go maybe because he thought you want it too."
"Okay, fine, you have a point. It's just that I'm not up for a party where there are lots of people."
"In case you have forgotten, that's the reason why it's called a party, because of the people! Get dress now, Kaede might arrive any moment. Don't keep guys waiting."
"Fine. I'll go dress now." She stood in front of her closet and scanned the party dresses she had in there. Thanks top her mom; she had a handful of it. There's the plain sky-blue dress, the red tank top dress, the black one, which she had no plan of wearing. It is too sophisticated and elegant for the event. There's the pale yellow, which she wore at Koshino's party. That's a no-no.
Still searching, she finally found one; a casual one which Kaede said was the theme of the party since it's by the beach: It's a plain almost backless white dress, with a balloon skirt that is barely above the knee in length. She wore it and looked in the full length mirror. She checked it out. Too simple, yet, it's what she's looking for that will describe her personality. Her smooth ebony back was exposed, but it's not too daring. It's simple in the true essence pf the word.
Ayako was applying a pink blush on to put color on her cheeks when Rumi came in. She never failed to look good and dress good. She was wearing a pale orange dress, a tube dress to be exact. "Don't you think you'll get flu in wearing that one?" Ayako's in the mood to tease her.
"Well, speak for yourself." Rumi shot back, while observing her.
"What will you do with your hair?" Rumi's hair was tied up.
"I don't know. What do you think?"
"You should tie it on the side."
Most of the guys were wearing casual shorts and polo shirts. And Kaede was one of them. Ayako can't help noticing his lean legs. And before he might catch her looking at his legs, she looked around once more at the place. It looked beautiful. The sun is still up but any minute now, it'll set. She hopes it won't rain. It'll completely ruin the party.
Beside Kaede and Rumi and Koshino, of course, she didn't know anyone else. She spotted some of the Shohoku team. Now, what are they doing here? She can't believe they were here too. On a not very far corner, she saw Sendo talking to a very stunning woman. She looked mature and elegant in her green dress. But she's sure the girl is still young, maybe around her age.
Yuya never left Akira's side. She wanted to be always near him. He didn't complain anyway. Even if he does, she won't leave him alone.
They were talking about the movies they could watch on the next weeks she's here when Sendo's gaze, turning away from her rested on a girl. She's no ordinary girl. She was wearing a very simple white dress. She looks confident and beautiful. Just the type of girl Akira would fall for, and even Kaede.
She knew immediately that it's the Ayako Kaede is talking about because Kaede himself was standing beside her and his hand was holding hers. Very possessive, aren't we? He never held her like that. Now, she felt jealous of her. She even felt more jealous when Akira was still looking at Ayako.
"So, I take it that that girl you're looking at and can't seem to take your eyes away from is the famous Ayako. Aren't you going to introduce me to her?" Yuya said, as she placed her arm on his arm possessively.
Ayako, was appalled to see Sendo. Why didn't she thought about it, that he could be at the party too since Koshino is going? How could she be so stupid?
Kaede saw Ayako's change of expression, from excitement the moment they got there and as she looked around the place, to the surprised one, when her eyes stopped on the person across the dance floor.
To break off the eye contact, which only upsets him, he led her to a nearby table. "Let's go sit over there." She followed his lead, and so the eye contact was broken.
Even if she told him they were through, he still felt something was going on. He's being paranoid. It's only natural. But for a Kaede Rukawa, the guy that he is, it's not in his vocabulary.
Acting like he's not affected by what he sees is hard to do, especially in front of her. She knew him now, even the slightest change in his mood.
"Are you all right?" she asked, her expression worried. Despite that, she looked so beautiful tonight, her cheeks with a touch of pink, seemed nice to touch. He fought the sudden urge to touch her. Her lips, which he had been fantasizing since their 'almost kiss' at the school entrance, looks sexy. She's sexy. Even her hair tonight is different. The dress suits her. She's simple yet mysterious.
Speaking of mysterious, she smiled back at him mysteriously. "Are you keeping something from me? What' wrong? You can always tell me."
"Nothing. Want something to drink?" He offered, just so he could escape her.
"Okay."
Sendo spotted Ayako sitting alone. It seemed the chance he's waiting for. Yuya was called by her parents. She'll probably take long.
"Hi. You look lovely tonight." Ayako was startled. "You scared me. Stop sneaking like that around girls or you'll scare the hell out of them." He was staring at her intently that Ayako felt uneasy. She thought that she'll be okay when they parted in good terms the other day. Now what? What's she going to do? She wants to get rid of him but he was oblivious obviously. She's here to spend some time with Kaede, not worry about Sendo following her around or sneaking like what he just did. What's taking Kaede so long?
"Sorry. So, where's Rukawa?" Sendo was now sitting at the vacant seat. Exactly the seat Kaede vacated. He was looking at her like she's the only person around. And it's bothering her. His face was unreadable. Unreadable than Kaede's that is.
Before she could speak, the girl he was talking to earlier came. "Here you are!" Her slender arms wrapped itself on his neck from behind him.
To Ayako's surprise, she didn't feel jealous or anything. She just felt nervous to be sitting there and looked at as though she' trying to steal Sendo from the 'girl'.
"Aren't you going to introduce us?" There was tension in the air.
Just then, to Ayako's relief, Kaede came, holding two glasses of orange juice.
"Oh, hi Kaede!" the enthusiastic greeting came from the girl.
"Hi. Nice party by the way and you look lovely tonight." Kaede answered smiling back.
It was Ayako's turn to be confused. They knew each other? Since when? And he complimented her. He didn't even tell me anything about how I look tonight.
"By the way, this is Ayako, my girlfriend. The one I was talking to you about the other day."
Sendo was quiet. And Kaede's the one who's being talkative tonight.
"Ayako, this is Yuya. She's my ex girlfriend."
Trying to hide her surprise, she smiled at the girl who still had her arms wrapped around Sendo's neck.
"Let me introduce to you Sendo, my boyfriend, no, I mean my ex boyfriend." She corrected. That made Sendo stand up and say "We knew each other. You don't have to introduce us. Excuse me."
He left the three of them looking at each other. Yuya followe Sendo after excusing herself.
The reason why he's upset is seeing that girl Yuya with another guy. Maybe he still feels something for her, and seeing her with Sendo irritated or made him jealous. That possibility or maybe fact was more bothering than Sendo's presence. What, am I you jealous?
She was still in denial. She's jealous. But as much as possible, she wanted to stay away from thinking that she had developed feelings for the guy across her, who was looking at her intently, like how Sendo looked at her.
Only, it was different. There was something in there that makes her heart beat faster. He stood and the words he said "Can I have this dance?" made her heart beat even faster, she was not prepared for it, she almost fell off her chair. She didn't see it coming and she didn't even hear the music played. Giving him a puzzled look, she was looking up at him; his expression was that of amusement.
"I'm not doing this because the RU-KA-WA girls are over there, looking at us."
"What?" Ayako became aware that indeed, the cheerleaders were there.
"I am doing this because I want to have this dance with you Ayako. I really do."
Kaede held his hand to her and she accepted it. It's time that she enjoy this night in his arms, even just for tonight.
He took both her hands and placed them around on his neck. Then, he wrapped his hands on the small of her back. They were so close. As close as 'that' morning when he woke up with her beside him.
"I was about to tell you, but he raced me first to it." He whispered, his breathe fanning her neck.
Ayako leaned her head on his broad chest, inhaling the scent of male soap, or whatever that is, it always reminds her of him. "What?" She didn't want to hear anything about Yuya or Sendo. She looked up to find herself staring at his serious eyes, and he was smiling, "You look so beautiful tonight."
"Thanks." A blush crept on her cheeks. She felt her cheeks grew warm and she knows she's blushing. Could this be a sign that I love this guy? Sendo's compliment didn't make me blush but Kaede's; it made me happy hearing it coming from him.
"I didn't know you have a sweet tongue."
"I'm telling the truth. Don't you believe me?"
"Hearing come from you is just impossible. But then since you say so, okay, I believe you."
"What are you smiling at?" Ayako was amused at him. It seemed so unnatural for him to compliment a girl, especially her. But he just complimented Yuya so what's the deal?
"Oh, nothing. I just remembered something."
They danced all night, most were slow dance. While in his arms, Ayako was unaware of the people around her.
They decided to walk by the beach. She forgot her shawl so she felt cold. The wind caressed her exposed back and arms. But they were far off from the party.
Kaede offered her his polo shirt. She was reluctant to accept it but then he was persistent. He was wearing a white flannel shirt which reminds her of 'that' night when she took care of him. A tinge of blush crept on her cheeks at the memory of it.
When they grew tired of walking, they sat at the not too high wall, which gives a perfect view of the lights out on the sea and the stars up the sky.
"Kaede, I didn't know that Yuya was Sendo's ex. Imagine my surprise when I learned that… This is funny."
"She's your ex and Sendo's my ex and then they were both ex's to each other. Don't you find it funny?"
"Yeah. Small world huh?"
"It is…" That the one you're looking for is right beside you all along…
She yawned. The cold night breeze makes her want to sleep. She leaned on Kaede's shoulder.
"You know, what I want to do more than anything else tonight?" He trailed off for her to supply it with a question.
"Hmmn…" Ayako was sleepy. Half her weight was almost leaning on him. But he didn't mind.
"...is to kiss you." He waited for her to reply but she didn't say a word…because she was already sleeping peacefully. He put his arm on her shoulder and hugged her close while looking at her.
He'll let her sleep for a few minutes and then maybe, he can take her home so she could rest. About the kiss, he had to wait patiently, if he could control himself.
"How's Ayako taking it?" Rumi heard Hiro asking while they were dancing.
"She's doing fine, Hiro-kun. She's happy with Kaede. I could see it. But how's Sendo taking it?"
"He's doing fine too, I guess. He's confused whether he'd continue seeing Yuya. She's around here somewhere." He glanced around to point her out for Rumi, but she was no where to be found. Even Sendo is no where to be found. Maybe the two were together.
Sendo, after reminding himself for the hundredth time that night that he had no right to ever look at Ayako that way, was planning to go home but then Yuya was following behind him. His attempt was blocked.
"Akira, I understand how you feel. What I can't understand is why you still have to feel the regret. Don't you see it, she's happy with him. Can't you at least feel happy to be with me tonight?"
What she said was like a wake up call. He's with her tonight. Why can't he bring himself to feel happy?
It's because of the fact that after all these years; Ayako still fills that space in his heart. That space is bigger than what Yuya fills.
"If I could only give you wholeheartedly all of me, I will." The words were hard to speak. She has always been an understanding person, though there were times when she's being immature. But he fell for her. "All I can give you is a half of me. I'm so sorry Yuya. Believe me; I'm trying to forget about her, about what I feel for her. I need space. I have to think this over. This I promise you, I'm not after trying to win her back. I want to move on, with you."
Yuya was speechless. Does she have to believe him? Deep within her, she believes him. She no longer concealed the pain she felt. Tears run down her face, streaking her cheeks. All she could do was wait for him to be ready to be with her.
"I have to go."
She was left there at the drive way, staring at Akira's back as he walked away from that place. Away from her and hopefully, from Ayako. At least he promised that he won't try to win Ayako back. That's what she'll hold on to.
A/N: At last, finished this chapter. Were your eyes strained from reading this? So...review…anyone…? (I hope you'll review, because if you don't…anyway, can't do anything about that, can I?)