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). Again, I do not own the Slam Dunk characters.
A/N: Just so you know and you won't be surprised, Rukawa will be too ooc here. Can't avoid it. It's necessary.
chapter nineteen
Sendo, while taking a shower was thinking about the events that happened at the party. He was thinking of one person in particular. He thought he could bear to see her with someone else. He was wrong.
Last night, he saw her, looking all radiant and happy. He wished he's the reason of that smile that was on her face all night, all night when she was with Rukawa.
He saw them dance, all night. They've danced as if they were the only person in the dance floor. It was only him whom she used to dance with. He and Ayako used to dance like that. It used to be him where her head rested and on his neck where her slender arms rested. It used to be him who had his hands on her waist and back. But that's all in the past. He threw it all away the moment he took off without saying goodbye to her. And it's only now that he realized what he lost.
He couldn't let Ayako know about it. It will only make things more complicated for the two of them. They've talked about it already, that they should both move on and end the final chapter of their relationship. Looks like it's easier said than done. He is still hung over her when she, on the other hand, looks like she has completely moved on.
Sighing is all he could do to erase the memory of her that was etched on his mind since last night and up to now. As the lukewarm water hit him, another face popped on his mind.
Yuya. How he wished he could give all his attention and heart to her. She's always been patient with him, especially last night. When he told her what he's been thinking last night, she gave him space. He was expecting an outburst, which he didn't hear from her. She must have understood the situation. Finally, she's giving him some space.
Ayako threw away the covers as she woke up. She noticed what a beautiful morning it was. It seems fun to be in the beach, to take pictures and be with someone...
Heading to the bathroom and checking herself on the mirror, she noticed the dreamy smile on her face. Is she happy?
Her time with Kaede last night was all worth it. It was worth the socializing which she hadn't done since Kosh's party. It was worth the late night. It was worth everything she should be doing at that time instead of dancing and walking along the beach with Kaede.
And what's there to be excited about? Her thoughts raced back to what happened last night…
She didn't realize she fell asleep on his shoulder. A moment later after dozing off, he shook her gently as though he's afraid to interrupt her sleep. Leaning on his broad, strong shoulder was far better than sleeping on her bed. He had his arm wrapped around her protectively, that's what's missing in her bed.
"Ayako, wake up. I think we should go home. It's getting late." He said, while giving her 'that look on his eyes' again, his eyes were sober yet it arouses something in her.
She didn't want to assume anything but is it longing that she sees in those beautiful eyes? The darkness of the night and the cold night must have clouded her judgment.
"I think you're right." Standing up and she looked at him again, as if she can't resist not looking at him and trying to see for herself if the longing is still there.
Was it really longing that I see? She might be mistaken. But when their eyes met, a gust of wind blew softly and she hugged herself.
He moved closer, but some space was still left void between them. He then bridged the gap with one step, one step and before she knew what was happening or before she could envision what's about to happen, he touched her cheeks with both his hands and looked her straight in the eyes that she couldn't look away nor dared to speak..."You're so beautiful, Ayako. And I've been wanting to do this…" Then hislips found hers.
She was shocked at first, unable to move, her hands limp on her sides. It didn't dawn on her what he was trying to do. But when she got used to the feel of his soft lips on hers, her senses were awakened with longing, a longing to deepen the kiss but she didn't know how. All she could do was put her arms around his neck. She followed his lead. His hand remained on her cheek and the other was now on her waist, resting on it. What's weird about it was that she didn't pull away. She was actually enjoying the kiss.
Sure she kissed Sendo. But that was different. She couldn't even remember how it felt to be kissed by him.
But this kiss, the kiss that Kaede's giving her is something she had never experienced nor deemed possible.
She didn't know that a kiss could weaken one's knees, and her knees were weakening at the moment, that it could sent chills down her spine and that it could be this wonderful. Adjusting her arms on his neck, she held on to him for support for if she didn't, she might fall down.
The kiss didn't last for long but it didn't end that fast either. It was enough to make her speechless and blush all over. If it lasted a little longer they maybe gasping for breathe right at that moment instead of staring at each other's somehow stunned and bedazzled expressions. But it looks like she was the only one who's stunned.
Kaede was again looking at her intensely that she can't bear to look back. She glanced at the waves. But like a magnetic field, his gaze made her look again at him, her gaze rested on him.
Did I just let him kiss me? She can't believe that they just kissed like that and that the feeling was delightful and exciting. She actually wanted to kiss him again.
Silence passed by and she finally found the courage to ask "What…what was that for?" She was hugging herself. She almost forgot that she's still covered by his buttoned polo shirt.
He looked at her and smiled. How can he be calm like this, like nothing happened? "When you fell asleep on my shoulder, I was talking about…about wanting to kiss you tonight more than anything else."
She didn't know what to say. She was taken aback by his frankness. Does this mean he's been thinking about kissing her all the while? But since when? He's not the only one who's been thinking about it, admit it Ayako!
"And I was right," he said, stealing her away from the whirlpool of thoughts in her head.
"About what?" she asked, and she can't stop herself from blushing like in front of him whose intense stare makes her blush all over again.
"That your lips are as sweet and as soft asit looks like," he said. He didn't seem to have a plan to take his eyes off her therefore she had to endure it.
She was speechless. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out.
Before she could respond, Ruri called her from a few feet away. Her cousin wanted to go home. It's only 8:30 and since she's already tired and sleepy, they went home.
Ayako was quiet during the walk home. Partlym, because Ruri and Kosh were walking ahead of them. Kaede dropped her off her house. The only words they spoke to each other were 'bye', 'thanks, 'see you tomorrow' and 'good night'.
Rumi, as nosy as she was, sensed something. "Hey Ayako, what's with the frown?"
"I was just thinking, if a guy kissed you, what do you think it means?" Ayako was still thinking of the kiss that she was not able to keep her mouth shut. Too late to take it back now because there was a gleam of excitement in Rumi's eyes.
"I knew it! You guys kissed! It's obvious by how you looked tonight. You looked like you've been kissed. You're still flustered, look at you!" She was smiling knowingly and Ayako could only sigh.
"Okay, I admit. But he started it, what am I supposed to do? Push him away?"
"Not really. But how did you feel? Admit it, you liked it didn't you?"
"Don't you think it's a too personal matter to talk about?" Ayako's hoping she won't have to give her the details. But it's hopeless. Rumi's too persistent.
"You want my opinion? Tell me everything." Rumi said simply. And so she told her everything.
"I think he has feelings for you, attraction or maybe stronger than that. At least he kissed you." Rumi said.
"What's that supposed to make me feel? Privileged?Thankful?" Ayako was confused, so confused that she was not able to get a good sleep. That's something to be not thankful nor privileged for...
She just dreamt about Kaede. Sort of a continuation of the kiss, no dialogues involved. She would have loved to continue dreaming but she's going to be late on a Monday.
Now, what do I do? The kissing part was really memorable but after that, she felt against the thought of talking to Kaede today. How is she supposed to deal with him or act around him without being reminded of the kiss? If she will avoid him today, it won't make the situation better. It's not like it's even possible to avoid him. They will see each other eventually at the practice.
Besides, avoiding him will arouse speculations that they broke up. And she didn't want that to happen because she just came with the realization that she's in love with him. Right. She loves him. It might sound sudden but that's the truth.
Sadly, she didn't know what he felt about her. Rumi said he might like her but to what extent? She can't hold on to that kiss and assume the feeling's mutual between them. If the kiss is not enough, what is?
She shuddered at the thought of having to tell him personally the feeling she didn't know was growing every second and every minute while she was with him. What if he'll laugh at me? That'll be the last time I would look nor talk at him.
She was up till ten last night, trying to contemplate her feelings, with the help of Rumi of course. The girl so loves to counsel her. And she was right. I did fell for him. I hate it when Rumi's right.
Why not? Rumi's the one who warned me about the 'falling in love' which I didn't take seriously and she's also the one who suggested that maybe I'm falling for Kaede.
Ayako's 'I-won't-fall-for-a-basketball-player-again' principle flew out the window instantly. And that principle won't be coming back pretty soon. It won't be coming back ever, that's putting it more appropriately.
She didn't know when it happened. Maybe it was when she spent the night with a sick Kaede. Who knows? That's what is weird with love; you had no idea when it's going to hit you or when it's in front of you all this time.
Stretching her arms, she stood from her bed and went to the bathroom. She had to face Kaede even if she died of blushing during the practice game.
Rukawa was sitting on his bed with his hands on his head. He wanted to give himself a slap on the face for being that impulsive. He almost came to telling her out front that he loves her but then he didn't do it. Rumi came to his rescue. He didn't know whether it's good or not.
He was up all night wondering if Ayako's ever going to talk to him after what he did. But she did respond to my kisses, didn't she?
But he can't base the situation between them on that kiss alone. It's still better to hear her say what she thought of him. She was not able to reply after he said something about her lips. That's embarrassing. They were also quiet during the walk home despite the fact that they walking side by side. He had no idea what she felt and what she thinks of him now.
That's what you get for being frank. He stood up and prepared for class. He has to talk to her this morning if he can find the courage to do so. He has to or there will be awkwardness hanging in the air when they saw each other later at the practice.
He passed by a flower shop. He would buy her flowers, but one stem of red rose was all he could manage. Besides, he's not really a romantic guy. And to just be simple, that he could do. While on the way to her house, he stops many times and rehearses in his mind what he has to say. He doesn't want to look like a babbling idiot in front of her. In the first place, why did he even kiss her? He shouldn't have but the longing was to overwhelming he was not able to resist her. He hoped that she would let him accompany her to school today.
Pressing the doorbell, and feeling rather nervous and conscious of how he looks, which he never was – only now, with her, he was startled when the door opened and Rumi's cheerful and knowing face showed in front of him. Did she know?
"Oh Rukawa! It's nice to see you. Come in." Rumi pulled him by his sleeves towards the living room.
"Uh, is Ayako still here?" he asked, looking around.
"Yes. Just wait here and I'll go get her." She rushed upstairs.
There was awkwardness and silence when they came face-to-face. They were sitting at the couch and only a few inches were separating them from each other. Rukawa cleared his throat. He was about to speak and Ayako was too. They ended up looking at each other and chuckling. Somehow, the awkwardness that hung in the air lessened.
"You go first," she said, smiling nervously.
"Uh, before I forget. This is for you."
"Thank you," she accepted it and their hands touched. She jerked her hand instinctively. Still, she can't be mistaken by what she felt when their skin touched.
"About last night, I'm sorry if I acted like that, uhm, kissing you without even telling you I am going to kiss you," he said. It was obvious he's nervous because he kept on fiddling with his hands.
"It's okay. I was just surprised. That's all." She was clasping her hands on her lap. But there were questions in her eyes that Rukawa felt the need to answer.
"But you know what, I'm not sorry I kissed you." He said this while he reached for her hands and held it.
Ayako lifted her eyes to him and she knew by the look in his eyes that he meant what he said. "Me too," she said in a whisper.
"Can I ask you something?"
"What?"
"I'm confused. Why did you kiss me? Because guys don't just kiss girls without a reason and…" her words were muffled when his lips were now on hers. After that, he looked at her and said "I'm confused myself. But one thing's for sure," he continued. "That is I'm in love with you."
She was shocked. She never thought of hearing him say it to her. And most of all, to hear it coming from him, a guy who'd been in love once before and what, he barely knew her.
"How can that be?"
"Are you thinking that it's impossible?"
"Well I am. You barely know me and we're not even together, I mean you know what I mean." She finished hopelessly.
"What can I do? I just woke up wanting to be with you everyday, wanting to see you smile and wanting to see you laugh. I want to be with you every second of the day, if that's possible. I always look forward to a time I will spend with you. I just can't get enough of you." He said lightly. "I don't know when, how or why but I really do love you. If that's not love, what is?"
"I don't know…" she smiled at him, "but I think we're on the same wavelength," pushing away the thoughts about everything happening so fast. It's too good to be true and amazing at the same time.
"I know this must be hard on you. You just broke up with Sendo. And here I am, telling you about what I feel. I'm willing to wait till you get over him."
"That's not it. I'm completely over him. It's just that how can we be sure that this will last. I mean, we barely know each other. You, how can you be sure that you love me"
"I love you Ayako. I'm sure about that," he said with conviction. "Wherever this 'relationship', if ever we'd make it official, is heading, I can't say I'm sure about that. I'll take the risk, to endure what's about to happen just to be with you."
"So, what do you say; we go to the beach and continue the plan we have?" he suggested. "That's our first official date."
"I was just thinking about how fun it is to be at the beach." This will be fun. I don't care, so what? I want to be with him. "This weekend, what do you think?"
"Yeah, just don't forget to bring your camera."
"Well," she said, waiting for him to say something. "I think we'd better move or we'll be late."
Amira overheard a bunch of girls talking about whom else Rukawa and his relationship that is still making a big hit at school.
"They've become sweeter to each other."
"He's always accompanying her to her classroom."
"They're always eating together at the canteen."
"It's so romantic don't you think?"
"I never thought that they'd be together."
"Yeah, me too, cause in junior high, Rukawa's been a very cold person. I think Ayako made a difference in him."
"Besides, she's the only girl he's ever talked to or smiled at."
"I wish I was in Ayako's shoes right now."
Girls! All they do is talk about someone else's life. She's too glad she's over him. Though, it still bothered her to see them happy together while her brother was mending his broken heart. He deserved it after all. If she were Ayako, she'd dothe same - move on and start over with someone else.She didn't blame Ayako. She just did what she had to do.
She walked away from that place, the gossip place that is, and went to the practice game.
"Attention everyone!" Akagi said, "As you know, the elimination is nearing. Ayako, kindly tell them who are we up against in the first game."
"The team of Muradai is your first opponent. From what I heard, they've been practicing tough. They ranked higher than Shohoku last year. So, don't ever think that they're a weak team, because I'm telling you, they're not. Good luck guys!"
"Starting today, we'll practice harder and I want your total cooperation and concentration during practice. Is that clear?"
"Yes captain!" the players said in unison and determination. There faces were serious now when they heard about their next opponent being also tough, but not tougher than Ryonan, Shoyo and Kainan, they assume. But nonetheless, they had to beat Muradai if they want to get to the finals.
Ayako had put away the pictures she used to look at. It was hers and Sendo's latest photo and there were other photos, mostly were that of Sendo taken by her. That's an act of being completely over him. She didn't feel anymore need to keep those.
Days passed so fast and it's already Friday. And in the last five days, she'd been so happy. Kaede's been so sweet and caring. He seems to be showing her how he felt for her in every way. He would see her off to her classroom. He would wait for her outside at lunch break. They would spend time at the roof top, just talking about anything. And at practice, he would look at her intensely, and would sometimes wink at her when no one's looking. It seems like he didn't care if anyone saw him winking at her.
Besides that, she's excited for tomorrow. Kaede and she will be spending some time at the beach, take pictures, have a picnic, and whatever, maybe kiss again till the sun sets? She blushed at the thought. He never failed to amaze her. That afternoon at practice, he did great. He is really working hard. And she told him she'll always be around to support him and the team.
A/N: Thanks for the reviews! Sorry for the late update. I'm feeling down these days because I'm running out of ideas and I'm kind of losing a sense of direction for the plot. In answer to DT's review (thanks btw), I'm no good when it comes to incorporating basketball game scenes. This is mostly romance fic.Hope you'll enjoy this (it's a short chap btw) because this is all my will, mental and emotional power is able to produce. I'm not sure if Muradai was their first opponent, but who cares? this is a fanfiction, it's not a sin to make mistakes right? hehehe (not sure about the spelling too hahaha!).