Disclaimer:I do not own Slamdunk (and you know who does).

Out of tune

HINORI

It's already past ten in the evening, and good old Hisashi's not yet home. Mom's pacing to and fro frantically.

Why can't he stop doing this? If there's one thing I'd been wishing, that was he'll realize his fault and stop giving us a headache.

I have no idea where he'd gone to. I won't be surprised if he went home drunk, again, which will be the second time this week. He's with those 'friends' of his I'm sure.

Maybe I should call Ayako. I haven't heard from her these past few days. I dialed her number and a worried mother answered.

"She's not there yet? Okay. Thank you Ma'am, please tell her I called. Bye." I can't blame her if she sounded worried, it's already past ten and Ayako's shift was supposed to be over by that time. Isn't she working too hard?

RUKAWA

I didn't realize that I was gripping the handset tightly, my knuckles were white. This was too much.

Yeah sure, dad's dating someone. But to bring her in this house…no way!

And to introduce her to me, what's that all about? What did he say, my future step mother?

Are they planning to get married? If ever they are, can I handle the fact that I'll have an elder step-sister, a sister who may be too nosy to mind my businesses? I don't want that.

I'm used to living alone and getting occasional phone calls from my mom and dad. I'm used to living alone in this big house. I never felt so free, this free from my parents' arguments and inquiries.

Then all of sudden, someone will come and take that away. I have a premonition that having them move in will be very hard to get used to. I would have to ask for their approval or permission. That's an adjustment I have to go through.

HISASHI

I asked Natsumi to sign Ayako out. I told her that she was not feeling well. That was a little white lie I have to tell to cover up for Ayako's carelessness.

Natsumi didn't even ask. She believed me. She handed me Ayako's bag and told me to take care of her friend and that I should make sure she gets home safely. She told me that it's the first time someone will accompany Ayako home. She even asked if I was Ayako's boyfriend. I told her I wasn't; I was just a friend.

I went to one of the benches nearby the bar and sat there with her limp body. I still can't believe that I'll see her drunk, here of all places. I always thought that she's a reserved person, someone who thinks first before doing something, especially, things such as this. I've always thought that she's tough, but what happened tonight only goes to show that even tough ones are weak.

Now, because of her curiosity or whatever that was that pushed her to do such a crazy stunt, I'm the one who's going nuts here thinking of a better way to deal with the situation I'm not even prepared for.

I looked over again at the girl who'd been with me for almost half an hour. Her cheeks were flushed, a clear indication that she's drunk. Her breath smelt that of mixed alcohol and fresh mint. Why wouldn't it be? She drank one bottle of whisky. She must've thought it was red wine so she drank it hastily.

Her hair that was in a bun earlier, now cascaded freely in fine tangled curls over her shoulder. The first few buttons of her blouse were open, giving me a glimpse of her smooth, ivory neck and collar bone. She moaned and I then saw a streak of tear in her cheek. Whatever it is that made her like this, I wanted to know.

Since when did I care about other's problems, especially hers? She wouldn't even give me a hint why she's acting weird. I have a problem of my own that I can't even deal with. We're not even friends.

Well, before we were at least speaking in good terms but since the time I started acting different, and I admit, I acted selfish, I rarely spoke to anyone who saw me as a nice person.

Ayako's one of those few people whom I care about then. She's always at our house, hanging with Hinori. She's always there, so carefree. My sister looks up to her. Only now, I didn't know what caused this breakdown. What would Hinori think once she learned about this?

After a long time of contemplating what to do with her, I called a cab. I tried to balance my hold on her waist and putting her backpack on my other shoulder. She's not that heavy but with all her weight on me, it's difficult to manage.

I gave the address to the driver, my address. I just hope mom and Hinori are asleep when I get home because this time, I have no idea what excuse to give them. I have no idea what to tell them if they saw me bringing a drunken girl to our house.

As the cab neared my house, I told the driver to stop a few blocks away. Am I doing the right thing? I saw the light at the porch turned on as I came near the house. I was carrying Ayako on my back. I made a silent prayer that I could slip in without having to face them.

I searched for the key in my pocket, being careful that I won't lose my grip on her. I cautiously opened the door and closed it behind me, my eyes straining to get used in the dark. And when my eyes did, I cautiously went upstairs to my room.

This was not a good idea. I'm not happy about bringing a girl to my room, and more, to hear her scream in panic when she realized where she was the moment she wakes up.

I carefully placed her on my bed. And again, I asked myself, did I do the right thing? I just stood there for a while looking at her. I can't wait to see her reaction tomorrow. I only hope that by that time, no one will be around to hear her outburst.

I stooped down to take off her boots, taking note of her feet. They're small and, well cute. Where did that come from? I shook my head at the things I've been thinking. First were her neck and collar bone and now her feet.

What the hell's wrong with me? The truth was a girl's feet and legs are a turn on. Again, I found myself staring at her legs. I can't help it. I could see the gorgeous shape of her even though she's wearing stockings, which I contemplated if I should take off. I took it off anyway.

I went to the closet and took a shirt and boxer shorts to change my uniform which smelled of cigarette smoke I got from staying in the bar for two hours. I was about to take off my shirt when I realized that there was someone in the room with me.

Even though she's asleep and wouldn't see me, I thought best to go into the bathroom, took a fast shower, and changed in there instead. I tiptoed downstairs and dialed Ayako's number. What shall I tell her mom?

"Good evening ma'am. This is Hisashi," I was racking my brain for a good excuse. I have to do this to save Ayako from her mom and to spare her mom the details that might disappoint her.

"Oh, Hisashi. Are you also looking for Ayako?" She sounded worried.

"No, it's not that. I just wanted to inform you that she will be sleeping here tonight. She's at Hinori's room," I said. I didn't want to lie. But I have no choice. Whatever's going on between Ayako and her mom, I'll let her handle it herself.

"Oh, I'm glad you called. She didn't mention about that earlier. She must have been avoiding me because…" she trailed off then, "anyway, thank you." I could tell from her voice that there's a problem but I didn't dare ask. "Is she still awake?"

"She's asleep already. Those two got tired of talking." I chuckled softly.

"Thank you again for letting me know," came her reply. I was about to say that I only did what was right, that I was not actually concerned but then decided not to and instead, "Okay," then put the phone down. Sighing, there's no use if I said so, who am I kidding? I'm concerned about Ayako. Because she's my sister's friend.

Opening my bedroom door, I saw her curled up in the bed like a child. She occupied most of the space.

Which brought up the question: Where am I going to sleep?

I prefer to sleep on my bed of course. But that would mean I'd be sleeping beside her.

No matter how much I don't want it to happen, I have to. Besides, I don't want to sleep on a mattress on the floor. I don't want to get a backache tomorrow.

The deal was I have to beat her to be the first to wake up early tomorrow. Mom and Hinori would be leaving early to go grocery shopping. All I have to do was to make sure Ayako doesn't wake up first.

Sounds easy but then when my back hit the soft bed and my arms accidentally brushed her arms, I suddenly felt uncomfortable with the idea of sleeping beside her.

Right, pretty and…drunk.

Not that it mattered but I'm a guy and she's a girl. What would happen if someone found out about this? They would be thinking bad thoughts about what could've possibly happened tonight.

Whoa, slow down. My thoughts were in overdrive. I can't even sleep.

I tried to close my eyes; at least pretend to be asleep, even though I am well aware of her presence. How the hell am I going to beat her to wake up first at this rate?

For the third time, I closed my eyes again only to open it when I felt her arms embracing me and hear her speak something I couldn't understand.

It's almost midnight. If this will go on for the next few hours, I definitely would have to make myself comfortable on the floor and get some sleep. That would solve my sleeping problems…

…but before I could even stand and get the mattress on my closet, I drifted off to sleep, completely forgetting that her arms were embracing me like she didn't want to let go. My body was asleep but my thoughts weren't completely at ease.

It felt good to be embraced like this. But this is Ayako, the girl whose facial expression completely changed whenever she sees me. With all the willpower I have, I took her arm and reached for the huge pillow and put it between us as a partition. That would do.

AYAKO

I clutched my head when I felt it ache. My eyes were closed yet I could tell that it's already morning. The sun's rays were annoying. I would have drifted back to sleep when came another splitting head ache, which I couldn't take, caused me to wake up from my slumber.

I looked around the room. It looked familiar but I couldn't tell where I've seen it. Sitting in the middle of the bed, still in my uniform – the very skimpy skirt and buttoned down blouse but without my stocking and boots, I hugged myself and looked around once again.

I remembered last night that I was drunk though I'm not sure how drunk I was. How did I end up here?

Before I could think any further and arrive at a possible conclusion, I was startled when I heard someonesinging at the top of his lungs. It's ear-breaking and funny at the same time. I knew that it's a guy and it was coming from the bathroom. I shivered at the thought of what could've happened last night.

I checked myself if there was something wrong with me. I started to panic because the 'guy' in there might be on to something that I wouldn't even want to think of. Before I could stand and ran for the door, the bathroom door opened and there, in boxer shorts with the towel on his hand, using it to dry his long hair, was AGAIN the last guy I wanted to see today let alone this early in the morning! Hisashi Mitsui.

"What the…" He immediately went to the closet to get a shirt and sweatpants.

And no doubt, he was the last guy I saw last night, which explained what happened. He brought me here and…

I felt foolish standing there, my mouth hanging open at the sight of him. He was as stunned as I am. He hurriedly put on his sweatpants and shirt.

If I were sane, I should have turned around. But I didn't. It took me a while to turn on my back. I was trying to control the laughter that's about to come out.

Funny. I didn't feel uncomfortable to be standing there in that sunrays-streaked room, with a guy who's half naked. From where I was standing, I could smell him – very masculine yet subtle.

After giving him enough time to get decent, I faced him and "What happened last night?" I asked indignantly, to cover up my daze. Even though he's older than me, I could care less. He deserved it. After all he's done and who knows what else.

"You don't know?" He looked skeptical. There's something in his voice and the expression on his face that suddenly irritated me.

"Why would I be asking if I know?" I shot back.

"You're drunk. I have to take you here."

"Spare me the details. I want to know what happened after you brought me here," I was getting impatient by the second.

"What? Are you implying that I did something to you?" he said incredulously, like he would never be interested in me.

"That's not what I mean. But if you want to think it that way, go on."

"Hey, don't get all worked up about last night. It's not in my nature to take advantage of girls, especially those who are drunk."

"So now I'm a drunkard? I only did it once and you're tagging me as though I'm an alcoholic." I was furious, really. This guy's making it hard for me. I was only asking for a straight answer and he can't even give it. He was silent for a moment.

"Okay, sorry about that. Can we talk about this rationally and calmly?" He said sorry. Weird. From what I heard, he would never admit that it's his fault. But the old Hisashi used to do that. Could it be that he's back?

We stood there, looking at each other. And I can't help but notice how good he looked when he didn't speak, when he's that quiet. "So? What happened last night? Are we going to stay like this forever?" I implored, shaking away the attractions I felt that instant.

"Nothing really happened last night that was out of the ordinary. Trust me. I didn't take advantage of you. Besides, I don't like kissing a girl who can't respond. That's as if kissing a log," he added rather quietly but I still heard it.

"Can't you be serious about this?" I was near tears out of frustration. How could he be so insensitive?

"How many times do I have to tell you that nothing happened? If there's someone here who needs an explanation, it's me."

With that, I was speechless. He was clearly demanding an explanation from me. "What happened last night? Why did you try to get yourself drunk? And you sure did!"

There was a hint of disappointment in his voice. I didn't know why but I suddenly regret letting him see me in that state. But I chose to push the thought away. Why would I care what he thinks of me anyway?

"Excuse me? As far as I know, what happened last night is none of your business." Hand on hip, I retorted, showing that I don't really care.

"Really?" He was nodding his head as though giving a deep thought to what I said. Now he looked really serious. I think I prefer what he looked like earlier.

"The next time you try that stunt again, just be sure you're at the right place. Who knows, something bad might happen to you. Can't you at least be thankful that it's me who found you?"

So he's thinking rationally now. I want to get out of here before I'm convinced that he only did what's right. I didn't want to hear him lecture me about what was right or wrong here. He can't even do the right thing about his life. "Okay, I thank you for doing so. And I'll remember what you said. Just…just don't tell about this to your friends or someone." I said calmly, my knees weakening that I sat again on his bed and put my hands on my head. Ughh. My head hurts so badly. I suddenly regretted getting drunk last night.

He rushed to my side. "Are you alright? Wait here; I'll go get something." Before I could speak and tell him I'm alright, he rushed downstairs and was out of my sight. I suddenly felt all alone.

Massaging my temples, I reached for my backpack and took out my clothes. It's all wrinkled which means I will go home in this skimpy uniform. Great! I put on the stockings and boots.

He came back with a cup of chocolate in hand. "Here, drink this before you go home."

"Thanks." I smiled my not-too-friendly smile. I didn't want him to get any ideas that it's all good between us. I still won't forget what he tried to do months ago – trying to get the basketball team disqualified.

Whether I like it or not, I have to treat him as civil as I could. He did me a favor, a very big favor.

"By the way, I called your mom last night. I told her that you were sleeping here. But there's a problem, Hinori didn't know about it. I didn't want her to see you in that state. I think your mom's worried about you…"

I was silent.

"I know it is none of my business but what's going on?"

I shook my head. "I don't want to talk about it. I have to go." I stood up and swung my backpack on my shoulder. He didn't dare stop me, which was good.

It's good that he didn't stop me. So why do I feel disappointed?

It's because I wish he did. I could have told him everything.

HISASHI

It was Monday morning at school when I walked the hallways of the Third Year building. Almost everyone where giving me the weird looks. I just got my hair cut. So what's the deal? What's wrong with these people? Maybe they know, almost all of them, that I valued my hair. Because growing it long was an act of rebellion.

The real reason behind it was that I'm serious. I want to play for the team. I want to start over. And I can only start over if I get rid of my long hair and the bad boy act. I'm dying to get my hands on a basketball. But I know not what's stopping me from talking to coach Anzai.

The only person I know who can help me was Ayako. I would just have to ask her to get me an appointment with coach. I have to know if he forgave me for what I've done. We didn't get the chance to talk after what I did.

That would be easy. No big deal. It's been a week since that night.At least she's being civil to me. I have to look for a perfect timing to ask her for a favor.

And today seemed the chance I'm waiting for because as I was walking by the fields, I saw her sitting alone at the grass. When I got a better look at her, I saw her blank stare.

What could be wrong this time? She looked worst than when she had a hangover. But I'm sure she didn't dare take a sip of whisky or wine. I've been observing her discreetly at the bar for week. I've been there every night, looking out for her. I felt it's my business to see what she's doing because I'm worried about her. Did she drink and I just didn't see it? When I got near, I sat beside her in the grass. She didn't even stir.

"Ayako…I know something's bothering you. Come on, you can tell me. I can sense it." She looked at me. And I sure saw pain in those brown eyes.

I was not surprised when she cried. She'd been restraining herself from doing so. What I was more surprised about was when she didn't protest as I put my hands on her back to calm her.

AYAKO

I couldn't take it anymore; told the whole story to Hisashi, of all people. I can't tell it to Hinori because I just can't.

This week had been one of the worst weeks of my life. Mom told me that our house will be sold eventually because she'll be getting married. She will be marrying Kaede's dad. I almost fainted after hearing it. That means I'll be Kaede's step-sister.

Just my luck. I never thought this will happen. What could possibly be worst than that?

It somehow made me realize to get over my hidden feelings for Kaede. Mom told me that we'll be moving in to Mr. Rukawa's house. But I can't do that. I can't imagine myself doing so, living in the same house as Kaede.

But where the hell would I go? I think he already knew about this. What will he think of the situation? Will he resent the thought of it?

RUKAWA

I got a surprise visit from my dad. I was dumbfounded. He told me that he married heralready. And who was it? It was Ayako's mom. I was even more dumbfounded.

Ayako's going to be my step-sister? They'll be moving in less than a week. Did Ayako know about this?

to be continued…