Rukawa inhaled the fresh air as soon as he stepped out of the wedding reception hall. He lightly loosened his tie and ran a hand through his raven locks. He tipped his head up, and saw thousand stars decorating the night sky. The moon is also in full bloom tonight. He closed his eyes as he felt the cold wind carassed his face. He can still hear the party happening behind him, but he decided to sit out than join them as it is not his nature. With one last look inside the hall where he saw his former Shohoku teammates slash his friends, and the wedding guests dancing and laughing merrily, he went towards a spot he spotted earlier.
He arrived at the gazebo which is located at the far right side of the huge garden, which is not far from the fountain which is in the center of the place. He chose to sit in the chair that is facing the fountain as he remove his coat and drape it on the back of it. He also unbuttoned his handcuff, and he felt like he can properly breath again. He hated wearing this kind of clothes. He stare at the fountain, water glistening from the moonlight. He reminisce today's event, the very reason why he is here.
It's Hanamichi Sakuragi's wedding day. Who would've thought that the red head monkey would found a wife. The two of them became close friends for some reason. They still banter from time to time, but they can't deny that their relationship evolved from when they were first years in Shohoku. They attended the same college and even became members of the school's basketball team. Some players from Kanagawa league, mainly from Shohoku, Ryonan, Kainan, and Shoyo also attended the same school and became members just like them.
And now, 6 years after graduating College, Hanamichi Sakuragi is now married. It also served as a mini reunion for the basketball rivals back in high school. All had a good time, sharing stories from their own lives, and reminiscing their time in the basketball court back in high school.
Rukawa must've been deep in his thoughts that he didn't notice another presence in the gazebo. He blinked his eyes when he notice someone standing directly in front of him. The man's waist is the first thing his eyes see, so he furrowed his brows and slowly looked up to see who it is, and there, he saw his cobalt blue eyes. It felt like time stopped for Rukawa when their gazes met. His cerulean blue against his cobalt blue. They were caught in a deadlock, eyes staring at each other. It was the other person who broke their staring contest as he smiled at him.
"Kaede."
Rukawa was frozen on his seat when he heard him call his name. Something aches inside him after hearing his given name from the man. He can feel his heart threatening to jump out of his chest. It's been so long since he heard him call his name.
And it's been so long since he last saw him. This close, just the two of them.
"Akira."
He managed to say, even though he sound a little breathless.
Sendoh Akira felt something pricked his heart when he heard the younger's soft voice utter his name. It's been so long since the last time he heard him call his given name.
"Mind if I join you?" He heard Sendoh asked him. Rukawa shook his head and he saw how the latter smiled and took the seat next to him. Now both of them are facing the fountain.
Of course he's here. They're in Sakuragi's circle of friends after all. When he arrived at the ceremony hall earlier, he felt everyone's stares on him as he get out of his car and walked inside. He saw and met his friends and had a brief chat with them. He looked around the place and that's when he saw him. Their eyes met and it felt like the whole world disappeared, and there's only the two of them present in there.
He should've been prepared for this honestly, seeing his name in the wedding invitation. But seeing him in person again after how many years, all his resolved crumbled.
It was him who broke the eye contact and found himself searching for a drink because his throat suddenly went dry.
Rukawa was aware of everyone's stares being thrown at him and Sendoh, considering their history, but he paid them no mind. It's not like it will change anything between them after all.
"It's a nice day isn't it?" Sendoh's voice broke his reverie as he decided to start a conversation. Rukawa just nods at him as he stares at the moon.
"Everyone is having fun inside." Sendoh says. "It's actually nice to see everyone again. Like a mini reunion of the Kanagawa league." He chuckled as he remembers everyone back in the wedding hall. They are all kinda wildin' already when he left the venue.
"Hmm." Rukawa hums. "Why are you here by the way? Don't you rather join the party inside?" He asked Sendoh. It was no secret that the older one likes parties and socializing.
Sendoh looked at him at the corner of his eyes. "Ohh. Does Japan's #1 basketball player doesn't want me near him?" He teased him, making the other turned to look at him with furrowed brows, and his mouth slightly apart. Seeming not know what to say about his remark.
Sendoh laughed after seeing his reaction. He still found Rukawa's facial expressions funny after all this years. Everyone described him as an ice because he doesn't show much emotion, but Sendoh knew best.
"Doaho." Was all Rukawa could say, and lightly tugs his lips upward when he saw the older man laughing.
They fell into a comfortable silence after, until Sendoh decided to break it. "I actually wanted to breath some fresh air since it's getting chaotic in there. Was looking for a place to rest in and saw this."
Rukawa just nods at what he said and said nothing more. Eyes back once again on the fountain in front of them.
Sendoh Akira took this time to take a good look at the younger one. From what he can remember, Rukawa's features didn't changed even after how many years has passed. His hair is still the same, and he bets it's still soft when he runs his fingers through it. His defined eyebrows, and fox like eyes are hidden behind his fringes. His long eyelashes that casts a shadow on his face. His pointed nose that Sendoh liked to pinch. And his thin lips that are shaped like Cupid's bow. Those lips that Sendoh used to kiss all the time.
His heart ached at the sight of the younger man. His hands itched to trace his face, to reach out to him. He missed him so much. It's been so long since the two of them has been this closed to each other.
And as he stare at him, he thinks back of their relationship. The events from the past that eventually led them here, meeting again after not seeing each other for almost 5 years since that faithful day.
The two of them were in a steady relationship since high school, and even attended the same college. Rukawa pursued basketball as his dream is to be the best, while Sendoh decided to follow his dream to be fashion designer rather than play basketball professionally.
Of course no relationship is perfect, they have fights and shortcomings. They have their differences but at the end of the day, they are still each other's comfort. But as years passes by, their relationship started turning rocky. Their fights became frequent and they let their emotions get the best of them. Their dreams also demand most of their time that the two of them rarely meet each other anymore.
After graduation, Sendoh applied into a famous company, and his works eventually was known in the industry. He suddenly become in demand, and spent a lot of time on work. Even having overtimes mostly because he also works for fashion shows now. Hanging with his workmates is also unavoidable that he doesn't realized the time, and would find a sleeping Rukawa back home. Sometimes, he would also find his dinner set on their dining table, waiting for him. Guilt churn in his heart everytime, so he promised to make it up to his lover. He would then crawl in their bed and hug the younger, murmuring an apology even though he knows the other is in deep sleep already.
As for Rukawa, he was selected to play at All Japan team before graduating college. They saw his potential and offered him a position in the team when he graduates College. He did not let the chance slip off his hand as it is his goal to be the best player in the nation, and eventually go to the US. But it also demanded his time. Training was hard as he tried his best. He would go home exhausted and have no time for his lover sometimes. He would just take a shower and would go straight to bed. Sometimes, he would either be late for their dates, or forget about it because of training. He promised Sendoh that he would make it up to him, and the other would only smile at him.
Eventually, the two of them decided to just end their relationship as it is not working already. They both know it, but tried anyway to mend it.
But one night, as the two were walking down the street, Sendoh invited him to go to the playround. Rukawa just nods at him, and the two silently walked towards their destination. No words were said, but the two of them knew where this will lead too. The two decided to sit on the swings and look at the sky.
"Kaede."
It was Sendoh who spoke first. Rukawa did not respond nor look at him, just gazes at the dark sky. It was empty, no stars can be seen, and the moon were hidded behind the clouds.
"I think it's best if we end this."
Silence reigned after Sendoh said those words. He looked at his side, and found the other looking up at the sky with his eyes closed. He haven't said anything yet, but Sendoh knew that he agrees with him. They both know that their relationship is not working anymore. His heart hurts and he can feel the sting prickling his eyes but he decided to hold his tears back.
He knew it's the best for the both of them, but it still hurts like hell. It hurts because he thought thay they'll past through this, that it will be them 'til the end.
And as Sendoh stare at his beau, he saw a lone tear fell from his right eye. Akira thought that no pain can compare to seeing the man he love cries.
Rukawa opened his eyes when he felt the single tear fell. He knew that it will eventually lead to this, but feeling it happening shattered his heart. He knew that it's the best for them, but he can't still stop the lone tear even though he keeping his eyes shut. The thought of not being with Akira anymore, the only person who made him feel alive. The person he found a home with.
He worldlessly stand up from the swing, and stood in front of the man he loves. He offered his hand which the other took. Rukawa then cupped Sendoh's face as he stare at him. Closing his eyes, he leaned his forehead into the other as he let their breaths mingle. The two of them stayed in that position until Rukawa closed the distance and kissed him. It was slow at first, but it became fierce and desperate. Their lips danced, tongues probing at each other, memorizing the other as they both knew that it will be the last.
And then, they both felt tears dampening their face. They tasted the saltiness into the kiss.
It was only the lack of oxygen before they pull apart. Foreheads still touching, eyes closed, and hot breaths faning their faces as they tried to catch their breath.
Rukawa leaned his head into his neck as his hug tightened. "I'm sorry." He whispered, and Sendoh closed his eyes at that. His hold on the younger one tightened as he also leaned his head forward, resting them on Rukawa's shoulder. "No, I'm sorry Kaede."
After that, both of them moved out from the apartment that they once called home. Every corner of the place reminded them of various memories that pained them to remember. They can hear laughters and banters in each room of the place. And none of them wants to suffer by staying.
The two went on their seperate ways, focusing on their dreams. Sendoh made a name for himself in the fashion industry after 2 years. He also had some relationships after, but none of them lasted. And as for Rukawa, he took the whole Japan by storm. His debut as a national player shook the whole Japan. He showed them his skills and results of his hardwork. Everyone noticed him, as he also is one of the most good looking players in the team. Prettiest some called him. But unlike Sendoh, he didn't get into any romantic relationship after. He went back to his usual self in high school. His focus was only in basketball, and his goal to be the best there is.
They both knew of each other's success as the two of them were like celebrities in their own field. And deep down in their heart, the two were happy for each other for their success. Although it left a bittersweet taste on their mouth, remembering their promise that they'll reach their dream together.
But the two them have never seen each other since that time they decided to end their relationship. They also haven't talked to each other since then, both too afraid, and too lost on what to say.
"I missed you Kaede."
Rukawa felt his eyes widened after hearing those words from the older man. He felt like a cold water was splashed on his face, and slowly turned his head to look at him. He was met by his gaze, his eyes swirling with so many emotions while looking at him. It was filled with sadness, longing, regret, and lastly love. He can see it, and it made him tremble on his place. He can feel his heart palpitating, can feel his heart beating loudly and rapidly, threatening to jump out his chest.
And as he stare at those cobalt blue eyes, he thinks back to his life after the two of them ended their almost 5 years relationship. Rukawa focused on his training so he doesn't have time to think. He would tire himself out, push himself to his limits until his body can't move anymore. But even those wasn't enough to stop his mind from thinking. Every nights as he lay in bed, stare at his ceiling, his mind is filled with Akira. How his body ached to have the older boy beside him. He missed his warmth because of how cold and empty his bed is. Sometimes, he would reach for his phone, and stare at Akira's number. His finger hovering over the call button before decided not to.
Eventually, he made his debut as an All Japan player. And everytime he plays, he would always think of him. Sendoh Akira. The person who taught him a lot of things, in life, and in basketball.
Rukawa was still staring at Sendoh, when the two of them heard a familiar song coming from the wedding hall. The music is loud enough for them to recognize the song, even though the place they're in is kinda far from the hall. The two looked at the direction of the hall before they find themselves staring at each other again. Kaede was shocked when he saw Sendoh stand up, and he actually thought that the other is going to leave already but was proven wrong when he saw him offer his hand. Confusion was etched on his face as he looked at him.
"Can I have this dance?" Sendoh whispered with a smile.
Rukawa felt his eyes widened, and his mouthly slightly agape after hearing the older boy. He can also feel his cheeks heating up as he stare at him. His heart is galloping in his chest again, and he can also feel his hand trembling on his side. "A-are you se-serious?" He stummered, but Sendoh just smiled at him with hand still in front of him, and said nothing else.
He stared at the hand in front of him before he sighed and accepted it.
Sendoh squeezed his hand before pulling the younger boy into him. He placed his hands on Rukawa's waist as the younger man put his hands on his shoulder. The two started swaying slowly along with the song as they stare at each other.
'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight
"I missed you."
Sendoh whispered into him again, and Rukawa unconcsiously tighetend his grip on his shoulder. Sendoh then decided to leaned his forward to let their foreheads touch as he pulled Rukawa towards him, and circling his arms on his waist.
"Akira." Rukawa was breathless because of their closeness.
"No one else has made me feel the way you do. Even after all this time, I still want you. Only you Kaede." Sendoh suddenly confessed that made Rukawa gasped. He wasn't expecting those words from the older man. He was frozen as a statue as he have no choice but to listen to him. "When I saw you again today,I wanted to approach you and talk to you, but I was afraid." His voice trembled at his last words.
We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight
Rukawas was speechless, as he was made to look at the older man. His heart and mind is in chaos after hearing him. He wasn't prepared for this sudden confession from Sendoh Akira. He willed himself to speak but he can't, no words will come out of his mouth. The only thing he can do is stare at the man in front of him.
Sendoh suddenly opened his eyes and moved his head away to properly look at him. He slowly raised one of his hand to cup one of his cheek. "Go out with me again Kaede." He whispered, voice laced with so many emotions.
Rukawa closed his eyes as he heard those words from the man. He is honestly filled with so many emotions right now, that he might burst any second. Just like Akira, Kaede too can confidently say that no one has ever made him feel the way Akira do. It's not like he tried to be with someone else after Akira, but he knows, he knows that no one can make him feel safe and loved the way Akira do. Because that's what all he needs. That's all he ever needs.The sense of security and comfort that Akira gives when he is with him. He knows in himself that he'll never find that feeling with someone else again.
And as he opened his eyes to meet the cobalt blues of Sendo Akira, he has decided. Because he knows the answer from the very beginning. And it will always be,
"Yes."
This time, it was Rukawa who pressed their forehead together. "Okay, I'll go out with you." He whispered.