Chapter 2: The Ceremony

I was quietly sitting on my seat with eyes closed and legs crossed.

Everyone was noisy yet I barely hear those noises for I really was busy thinking of something.

"If there's one thing you want to have right now, what would it be?" coach Anzai asked me one evening just right after the practice. As usual, I was the last person left in the court. Nobody heard what coach had asked me beside the two of us.

I did not answer and thought of it. He did not anymore insist of my response. He just gave me a simple smile and then left without a single word.

"And before everyone say a fruitful farewell to one another, we would like to call for Mr. Rukawa Kaede. We are giving you the stage… the opportunity to say your last farewell to your dear Alma mater and to your fellow students." The emcee announced breaking in through my thought.

Everyone was surprised I say.

I heard no applause.

"Mr. Rukawa Kaede?" The emcee repeated.

I stood up from my seat and walked slowly to the stage. I noticed that everyone's eyes were following me.

There were no single clap… only murmurs…

As I reached the stage…

"Let us give Mr. Rukawa Kaede a big round of applause!" I heard the emcee announced.

I waited for the crowd to stop applauding. I waited for them to keep quiet. I looked at the crowd. There were still other guests who had just arrived. They were entering the hall one by one. I waited for them to settle down on their seats.

And there he was, Sendoh Akira… together with the newly come guests…

He was startled to see me on stage.

Unlike the others, he did not bother to look for a seat. He remained just where he was, stood straight and stared at me.

I got so nervous.

Never had happened like this before.

"I…" I started but then I paused. I gazed at Sendoh who in return fixed his eyes on me. I shivered in fear. Or maybe anger?

I did not believe what I heard though almost everybody where talking of it. I believed in him. I gave him my full trust. But what did he do? He put me down. He lied to me.

"I would like to share this last moment with you." I said driving the memories out of my mind.

"The years I have spent here in Shohoku high would not be as fruitful as it had been if it not were for you all who supported me, who gave their trust to me and who believed in my strength." I continued.

"The many times I attempted to shoot the ball in the ring, you never failed to give me a cheer. Though I do not seem to appreciate it, the truth is I am really grateful for that."

I heard the audiences applaud. When they stopped, I started…

"As a player… as a forward… as a shooter…" I paused.

"I carry each and everyone of you on my shoulders." I added sincerely.

"As far as possible, I do not want to turn you down yet I failed to give you the championship we have all long dreamed of. I am very sorry." There was an awkward moment of silence. I stared each one on my left, on my right, and the ones on the middle. I first stared at him before I proceed.

"To the players next to me... to the incoming seniors, juniors, and freshmen… the fight does not end in here with me graduating. The fight will continue for the battle has just begun for you." I stared at the crowd whose eyes were all fixed on me.

One clapped… the others did the same… many followed and gave warm applause.

I stared again at Sendoh but now I could not spot him anywhere.

Where is he? Has he gone already? I thought.

"If you please…" somebody grabbed the microphone from me and spoke.

The audiences were silenced. I turned my head to see who he was and I was alarmed to see Sendoh on stage holding the microphone.

"If you please…" he repeated looking at the audiences.

"Let me have this one opportunity to speak." He continued.

"What are you doing in here? You aren't supposed to be here." I told him but he just ignored me.

"Many gossips have spread the past months about me." He said. "I am absolutely sure that the whole of Shohoku has already learned of the tale too. Let me make myself clear. Those stories are not true."

He stared at the eager audiences who exchanged questioning glances.

"Lend me your ears." He fumed.

"I and Koshino have no relationship at all."

"It is true that I am having affairs with a man."

Sweats had streamed down from my forehead as I heard him say all those things.

"But this man isn't Koshino at all." He continued.

"For this one man, I am willing to offer my life, my soul, my heart and my mind."

"And this man I am speaking of is the man by my side right now…"

The audiences reacted. They again exchanged glances. Some screamed out of shock. Others began inquiring those who had heard of the gossip. Some could only gaped their mouths as they stared at Sendoh who was also looking at me intently.

I moved back.

I did not know what to say. I did not know how to react.

Sendoh, with flashes in his eyes, moved forward to me.

Being back to his pervert self again, he reached out to me… trapped me inside his strong brawny arms not allowing me to move.

And then…

There was no sound.

DARKNESSwas all that was left.

Moreover, I realized why.

My eyes were closed.

My lips felt warm.

I felt so light as I felt Sendoh's warm comforting lips caressing mine.

I remember what coach Anzai asked me…

"If there's one thing you want to have right now, what would it be?" tears fell down from my eyes as I remember the voice of coach Anzai ringing in my memories.

If there's one thing, I want to have right now… the words played in my mind.

I would like to have your love. I would like to have Sendoh's love.

Then I held him tightly… fought back kisses… and together, in front of the crowd, we shared warm breaths.

OWARI