Disclaimer:I do not own Slamdunk (and you know who does).
More than that
AYAKO
Well, not really. But at least it's partly true; I'll make it up to them somehow. Still I knew very well that partial truth is still a lie. My conscience seemed to tell me. I should feel weak, but what happened was the opposite. I gained confidence knowing that I'll get through this.
"If ever I'll have even just a bit of time to spare my best friends, we'll do the usual things we do. Is that okay?" I said that just so he would stop asking questions which I find hard to answer.
For now, that's all I could say. From the looks of it, the small smile on his lips confirmed my silent prayer that the interrogation will end there. I reminded myself to not get too excited. It's just for today.
"Okay. I'll tell Hinori about this. Go to sleep now. Looks like you need it," he said this with concern. Who wouldn't say such a thing to me? If I didn't know him too well, I'd say he's trying to get on my nerves.
He didn't have to remind me how I look lately. I looked like a complete mess. I'm tired and sleepy. My eyes were starting to get all too puffy, from the sleepless nights because of him.
"I know. You really know me too well." Standing up from the soft couch, I took a pillow and threw it at him playfully. From which he ducked away from without any effort at all. He would never mind such childish act from me.
"Aren't you going to sleep?" I asked when I realized he was still sitting. It's already 9 o'clock. He shook his head and reached for the remote control. "Hinori's coming over." That answered my question. "You know you're more than welcome to join us but then I think not tonight." He meant that I should take a rest. He's concerned about me. Like he had always been and I took it seriously, took it to heart, and where does it lead me?
"Of course. I need all the rest I can get. Good night then. See you around school, brother?" I said, straining the obvious. From which I earned the usual shaking of his head and very small smile again whenever I said something that's funny yet true. "Just make sure you'll jkeep your promise."
On my way upstairs, I can't believe how I am able to pull such act, calling him brother. Well, that's a development. Or am I being plain sarcastic and he didn't catch it? I deserve a pat on the back for my good acting.
Have I accepted the reality that we are related now, technically?
Upon reaching my room, I went inside and leaned on the door. As though I was hoping I could somehow close that part, get away from it. I shook my head hopeful that in the process, those thoughts will go away. In the first place, it's not what I most wanted to get over with.
If that's the case, I don't deserve a pat on the back. I may still have to work hard on stopping whatever this feeling that I felt for Kaede. It's not right.
When my back touched the soft bed, I forced my self to sleep. I needed to rest. This day was so tiring. I felt like all the energy was drained out from me.
HINORI
I was at my study table, doing the homework in English when I saw from my window the arrival of my brother. Something's going on here. He came home early. It's weird. But I'm glad he did. Mom won't be worrying all throughout the night. That goes the same for me.
Another thing that bothered me was that he had his hair cut. Even though I've heard about it and seen it earlier at school, I was not able to ask him why the sudden decision to have a haircut. I know how much he valued his hair. I remember back then when Mom did not approve of him growing it long. I despised that hair of his as much as Mom did.
Mom and I were both surprised by the sudden turn of events. I guess I should just keep quiet and let things go their way. I would just have to watch closely what happens next. And I will keep my fingers crossed that it's for the better.
AYAKO
"Hi Natsumi!" I was sort of out of breath. The practice ended late so I was also late for work. I signaled her that I'll change into my uniform. I have two uniforms in this job. I was wearing the same stylish white blouse. However, the black skirt is longer, maybe just about an inch above the knee. And the make-up that I have to wear tonight has to be a light one.
I walked towards my assigned position. I craned my neck to get a peek at the bar hoping to get a glimpse of a familiar figure. I wanted to confirm the rumors I've heard about Hisashi. That's why I have to see him tonight. I haven't seen him the whole day around school. Not that I'm complaining. It's just that after all that has happened; the help he gave me was not properly thanked for. I mean even though I've thanked him a couple of times already, it's not enough. He deserved more than that.
What could it be that I could possibly do to show him how grateful I was for his help? Dinner? Nah, too personal, like we've known each other for years. But you did know him for a couple of years,my mind reasoned out. So it's dinner then.
Why am I so against it then? Because I didn't want to feel uncomfortable during the whole dinner. What to do, what to do? Too bad, that's the only decent thing I could think about. I decided to think of other options later.
It's only quarter past six, which means during this time, only a few customers come to the restaurant, where I was assigned for the night. I shouldn't be surprised at the rate of customers who walk in here. I looked around the restaurant. It was almost empty.
The ambience in the restaurant seemed very peaceful, just what I needed. My body and tensed muscles relaxed a little. Before I drift off to my wishful thinking, I heard the chimes, which meant there's a customer, the first one during my shift.
When I turned to see who the customers were, I saw one of the district's most popular basketball players with a very pretty girl.
to be continued…