I've moved into a neater apartment! Hurray! I finally have internet! Yaaay!
P.S. Thanks for the encouraging reviews.. I'll try my best to write a good story. :)
Chapter Seven
Misunderstandings
The back of Kyouren's head itched uncomfortably. She could feel someone staring at the back of her head. She waited as her Sensei turned to scrawl a formula on the chalkboard, then whipped her head around to catch the culprit.
She froze in surprise, meeting the icy blue eyes that stared out beneath a curtain of black bangs. He wasn't asleep on his desk as usual, instead he sat arrogantly, leaning back against his chair, his arms folded across his chest– simply staring.
"Itou Kyouren!"
Uh oh. She turned her head slowly, wincing at the red faced sensei, the vein on his forehead throbbing violently.
"Stop staring at Rukawa and pay attention." He scowled, turning back to his chalkboard. The class giggled, and she fought a blush from flooding her cheeks. She could see Haruko bristling inquisitively in her seat, trying to meet her eyes. But Kyouren avoided the curious gaze of her friend.
Rukawa was acting strangely all week. Well– not that strangely. He was as quiet as usual. He left home early, came home late with a basketball gripped in his hands. But at dinner he stared at her longer than usual as he ate, as if he was trying to figure her out. It was unnerving. He had started doing it during practice, causing Ayako to comment teasingly about it. Now he was doing it in class.
When the lunch bell rang, Kyouren was startled by a hand on her shoulder. She was preoccupied removing her lunch box from her desk. Rukawa stood behind her, looking down at her with an unreadable expression. They merely looked at each other, Kyouren's brown eyes wide in surprise, Rukawa's blue ones measuring and inquisitive. It was only a brief moment, but for some reason it felt longer to her.
"Suman." He said quietly.
"..For what..?" Kyouren asked, but Rukawa was already headed towards the door.
"I think me means for getting you in trouble." Haruko whispered next to her.
Kyouren jumped from her seat, upsetting her bento but catching it in the process. She had no idea Haurko was standing so close to her, and the girls dejected voice had startled her.
"Oh.. Well that's a first." She muttered, then grabbing her friend cheerfully by the elbow she led the two of them out into the sunlight. "Come on Haruko-chan! Lets eat outside." She grinned, but Haruko smiled only half heartedly. I wonder what's wrong?
Haruko was strangely quiet during lunch, and left the talking to Matsui and Fuji. In fact, the shy Fuji said more to her than Haruko, who was usually bright, cheerful, and talkative. Feeling a bit ignored she decided to find other company, wondering if she should risk going to the third year floor, perhaps she could accidentally bump into Mitsui.. Giggling in her daydreams, she bumped into something stiff in the hallway.
"Oi.. Kyouren-san!" An ecstatic voice yelled out, hurting her eardrums.
Peering up from the solid, uniform clad chest, she looked up to see the beloved red-head beaming down at her. "Sakuragi-kun!" She cried, smiling brightly. He was romping through the halls with his gundan in tow, who waved cheekily at her, but Ooksu looked a little nervous.
"Kyouren-san, how is school suiting you?" Yohei asked politely. Earlier that week while watching basketball practice, Kyouren had chatted with the gundan by the gym door. She was very fond of them, especially Yohei who seemed the wisest of the troop.
"Ma.. As well as an American-baka can." She grinned. "I got yelled at again today." She sighed, while Yohei and the gundan laughed heartily.
"Don't worry Kyou-san. You'll never be hated as much as Sakuragi." Takamiya grinned cheekily, to which Sakuragi merely 'harumphed'. After all, there was no use getting huffy over the obvious truth.
"Baka-mono.. I need to talk to Kyouren-san alone. So scram." Sakuragi threatened, waving a large fist. The gundan though curious, flew, taking the threat seriously. Unbeknownst to Kyouren and Sakuragi, the gundan were merely hiding behind the shoe lockers, peering curiously out at them from the corner.
"Strange.. What does he want to talk to her alone for?" Juichiro wondered out loud.
"Masaka.. He's not going to ask her out, is he?" Ooksu said, scratching his head. "Should we ready the confetti and the trumpets?"
"Not likely. Look at Sakuragi. He treats Kyouren like a friend.. Like a guy." Yohei pointed out, as Sakuragi was in the process of slapping Kyouren on the back, while the girl hid a wince of pain through a forced smile.
"You're right.. But Kyouren-san certainly treats Sakuragi well." Takamiya pondered, rubbing his chin.
"Hmm.." Yohei muttered, recounting how the girls face lit up into a rosy smile every time she looked at Sakuragi. The four gundan peered into Kyouren's face. Her face was broken into a sunny smile. Her eyes were bright and wide, her cheeks tinged a rosy pink hue..
"MASAKA? Kyouren-san is in love with Sakuragi?" The gang burst out all at once, jaws hanging wide open.
"..So what do you say Kyouren-san?" Sakuragi asked, his muscular arms at his hips, his face breaking into a wide grin.
Kyouren blushed visibly, looking at her shoes. Her initial plan was to help Sakuragi get Haruko. But somehow Miyagi had been thrown into the picture– as well as Mitsui. Should she accept? Was it somehow wrong, what this enthusiastic red-head was asking..?
"Um.. I'm not sure Sakuragi-kun.. I don't think Mitsui-senpai would appreciate that." She mumbled, blushing redder as she said his name.
She was rewarded with a heavy slap on the back, that she was sure would bruise her shoulder blade. "Be strong Kyouren-san! In the name of love! Besides it was your idea, and you'll be doing the same for us." He pointed out.
"Demo– I'm trying to help you. I'm not doing this because I want you to.. Help me with... Mitsui." She blushed even redder. She felt like she was turning into a ripe tomato.
"Nonsense! Tensai Sakuragi Hanamichi is the ultimate love god! Mitsui needs a girl anyway.. You should have seen him with long hair.. Makes me doubt his.. Manhood." Sakuragi muttered, partly to himself.
"N-n-n-ani Sakuragi-kun?"
"So you'll do it, right?" Sakuragi prodded, throwing a large arm around her shoulders. His arm hung off her shoulders, dangling down her arm, crushing her with his weight. He was grinning broadly at her and winking. How could she have refused?
"H-hai.. Sakuragi-kun."
"Nyahahhahahahaaa!"
Ayako skipped down the hall breezily, enjoying the feel of the sunlight and the slight breeze tickling her face. Soon summer would fade, and fall would come, announcing the beginnings of the coming winter. The Kanagawa Winter Regionals were coming up– not quite as large or grand as the Inter High championships of the summer, but still a great opportunity to show Kanagawa the prowess of Shohoku. With the absence of Akagi and an injured Sakuragi, she and Miyagi had worried about the state of the team. But things were certainly looking brighter– thank goodness Mitsui-senpai had failed his class exams, she chuckled, wondering what her senpai's response would be to that thought.
She had many responsibilities this year, since the loss of Akagi and Kogure had pushed the leadership of the team to Ryouta. Ryouta was a good captain, able, cunning, patient– but he didn't have quite the impact as the famed Akagi with his ample distribution of gorilla punches, when needed. That's where she stepped in, to reinforce the captain as well as whip him to his senses when he tended to get silly. She frowned. Lately he was given to staring at her instead of leading practice, and it was trying her patience. She suspected it had something to do with Itou Kyouren. She, Sakuragi, and Miyagi were taken to whispering in corners after practice. She had better have a talk with Kyouren. As much as she liked the energetic, bright girl, she couldn't let anyone become a nuisance to the team.
Lost in her thoughts she almost passed by the slumped figure of a brown haired girl, leaning against a tree. She stopped just as she passed, puzzled.
"Haruko-chan.. What are you doing there?"
The said girl looked up briefly. Ayako noticed the suspicious glimmer in her eyes, and immediately sat down next to her, concern plainly written on her face.
"Haruko-chan.. You're not crying?"
The girl hastily wiped her eyes on the collar of her blouse for a few minutes. Ayako waited patiently, studying the grass as Haruko composed herself.
"Anou.. Ayako-san.." She almost whispered, unable to meet Ayako's eyes. "Have you noticed anything about Rukawa-kun lately..?"
Ayako frowned, deep in thought. He was playing basketball as well as ever. He was the same cold, silent, basketball obsessed boy. But there was one thing she did notice. He was given to staring a lot during practice. Staring at..
"Oh I see." She muttered. "Uhm.. Haruko-chan.." She started, choosing her words carefully.
"He looks at her an awful lot."
"Well.. It may seem that way.. But he does live with her. I mean, she's constantly with him." Ayako tried, but felt that she was failing to comfort her downhearted friend. "Er.. What I mean is, Haruko-chan.. Kyouren is the only person who's ever had the chance to be close to him. Maybe he's just curious about her."
"Demo senpai. He never takes interest in anyone."
Ayako faked an exasperated sigh, trying to keep her tone light-hearted. "Haruko, stop acting like a silly girl. The day I see Rukawa falling in love with a girl, much less Itou Kyouren is the day hell freezes over. I mean, they're constantly fighting and.. Do you see the way that girl glowers at him every time he makes a basket? She's no better than Sakuragi Hanamichi.." She chuckled, half convinced herself.
Haruko nodded slowly. Even if Rukawa was taken to staring at Itou Kyouren, Kyouren certainly didn't return the interest. In fact, she seemed to prefer the company of Sakuragi-kun.
"Besides.. I think Kyouren's nursing a few crushes of her own." Ayako chuckled.
Haruko's eyes widened in curiosity. "Few.. More than one?"
Ayako grinned, although she was little confused herself. She was almost sure it was Mitsui Hisashi, but lately, she had taken to staring at a certain red-haired tensai.
"Try to guess at practice." Ayako smiled, reaching a hand out to pull her friend out of the grass. The two girls walked back to class, just as the bell began to ring, signaling the end of lunch.
As Kyouren marched off towards the gym doors, she was pulled roughly towards the corner by a pair of muscled arms. "Ow." she cried out, but a large hand clamped over her mouth.
Miyagi and Sakuragi dragged her to the corner, looking left and right suspiciously. When they confirmed that no one was coming towards the gym, they turned towards the befuddled Kyouren, who was a little angry at their rough treatment.
"Really..Was that necessary?"
"Sssh.. Keep your voice down!" Miyagi wailed, gesturing wildly at the door. "Ayako is in there."
"Fine." She muttered, wondering at the mess she had gotten herself into. "So what's up?"
"Well.." Sakuragi started, darting his head around nervously. "Ryou-chin and I thought we could start today."
Kyouren's eyes widened. "T–t-t-oday?"
Miyagi nodded enthusiastically. "It's the only time we're all together. You're always sitting with the girls.. And we can pull Mitsui aside when we practice shooting."
"But what if they overhear?"
Miyagi shook his head, shuddering at the thought of being overheard. "I'll take care of it. Now move it!" He snapped, his fist crushed in one hand.
"Aa!" Sakuragi grunted, a determined glint in his eyes.
"What do they think this is.. A basketball game?" She groaned, as the two energetic players marched off to practice. Sighing, she changed into her slippers and walked towards Haruko and Ayako. In a few minutes Miyagi was leading the team through their warm ups: stretching, jogging, passing, and dribbling.
The girls were unusually quiet. Ayako seemed to be engrossed in thoughts of the coming Winter Regionals, the way her eyes lingered on each of the players, but Haruko was absorbed in her own thoughts. Kyouren studied her friend carefully, wondering what had brought on this bought of solemnity. She nudged Haruko after the girl had sighed as if the world was ending, upsetting one of her arms as they cupped her chin.
"Anou.. Haruko-chan, what's eating you?"
Ayako glanced sharply at Kyouren, watching Haruko's expression, which tightened subtly. To her relief, Haruko turned her expression into a small smile, that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Nothing Kyo-chan. I"m just thinking about the coming games."
Kyouren sighed in exasperation. "Ma.. Ayako-san, Haruko-chan, is basketball all you two ever think about? Can't we talk of other things?"
Ayako's eyebrows raised comically, eyeing Kyouren with a smirk. "Then what do you suggest Kyo-chan? Fashion magazines? Celebrity gossip? Hot movie stars?"
"Hmph.. Well no.." Kyouren muttered uselessly. Then brightening mischievously, she poked Ayako in the ribs, causing her senpai to frown at her. "How about we play a little game."
"Game?" Haruko asked, curiosity piqued.
"Yea.. It's really popular in the states." Kyouren rattled on. "I say a word, and you say the first thing that comes to mind. Ayako-san, want to go first?"
"Hmph. Sounds like a silly game to me."
"Aww come on. It's fun, I promise." Kyouren nagged, until Ayako finally consented with a mock sigh.
"Okay.. Here goes.. Summer!"
"Beaches."
"Fall!"
"Leaves."
"Winter!"
"Snow."
"Cherry-blossoms!"
"Picnics."
"Birthdays!"
"Gifts."
"Point-guards!"
"Ryouta." Ayako blurted, before she could stop herself. Kyouren grinned triumphantly, teasing her red faced senpai.
"Oh ho ho ho.. Had a certain someone on your mind, hm?" Kyouren laughed, while Ayako turned a deeper shade of red.
"YOU.. You you.. Tricked me! And besides, you said point guard.. And Ryouta was standing right there–"
"There are other points guards you know Ayako-san.. You've named them yourself. Fujima-Kenji, Sendoh Akira, Maki–" The lightning strike of a paper fan stopped Kyouren, as she ticked off the names on her fingers.
"Ure sei! Now stop distracting me." Ayako folded her arms over her chest, intent on watching the players practice.
Kyouren rubbed the sting where the fan had landed on her head, smiling contentedly to herself. It was obvious that Ayako wasn't entirely set against Ryouta, it was evident in the way her senpai got so flustered over that innocent little game. It was only a matter of time for Miyagi-san, however, for Sakuragi.. She glanced at Haruko, who's eyes were glued wistfully on a single player. Rukawa Kaede. Now this is going to be a challenge.. Or is it?She pondered the contradiction. Haruko certainly liked Sakuragi from what she could tell. The way Haruko adamantly cheered Sakuragi on, the way she acted so comfortably around him, to her it spoke volumes about Haruko's strong feelings for Sakuragi. If not romantic, still there was friendship growing. All she needed to do was plant the seed.
"Anou.. Haruko-chan, Ayako-san.." Kyouren winced when Ayako aimed a pointed glare at her. "I was wondering if you'd like to spend the weekend at my– er, the Rukawa house.."
"But it's not your house Kyouren-chan." Haruko interjected, blushing at the prospect of staying the night at Rukawa's house.
"I asked Nitta-san a few days ago and she said it was fine, as long as your parents don't mind." Kyouren looked down at the soles of her slippers, muttering slightly. "Besides.. I could use some help with my homework."
Ayako looked apologetically at Kyouren, former traces of irritation gone from her face. "Sorry Ren-chan, I'm going to my grandfather's house this weekend."
Kyouren looked hopefully up at Haruko, who looked hesitant. "Please Haruko-chan! I could really use the help.. And it will be fun.."
Haruko looked into her pleading friends eyes, sighing softly to herself. "Hai." She whispered, smiling genuinely when her friend whooped with joy. But her heart was already thumping loudly in her chest, at the thought. I'm spending the night at Rukawa Kaede's house.
"Angelina Jolie?" Sakuragi yelped, the ball between his hands almost quashed.
"No No.. Mitsui-san.." Miyagi let fly a jump shot that bounced off the rim. He couldn't help it, since he was shaking with laughter. "When I asked.. 'ideal girl', I meant.. As in girls you can actually meet.. Like in school.."
Mitsui pondered the thought for a moment, frowning. "I can't really name one.. Haven't thought about it." He mumbled, executing a perfect free throw with his poised, balanced form. It came to him so naturally, that he didn't even check to make sure the ball went in. Instead, he turned on Miyagi suspiciously. "Nande Miyagi.. Why are you asking me these questions?"
Miyagi Ryouta held up his hands in defense. "I'm just trying to be friendly.. You know, do a little bonding."
"Fine, then why don't we ask Rukawa?" Mitsui countered, dribbling the ball between his legs reflexively.
"Er.. Rukawa.. Same question?" Miyagi faltered.
"Hn." Rukawa grunted, panting slightly as he stopped for a moment from attacking the basket, to consider the question.
"Ha! That kitsune-otoko doesn't like girls. He's gay."
"Do'ahou." Rukawa muttered, before taking off to execute a graceful one armed dunk.
"Then prove it kitsune! Name a girl."
The trio watched in fascination as Rukawa Kaede, rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his free hand dribbling the basketball.
"Heidi Klum." He stated, ignoring the ground shaking thud as all three of his team mates fell to the floor. Shrugging, he picked up the basketball and practiced his layups.
"..This isn't working.." Ryouta muttered, rubbing his temples.
"Oi, Micchy aren't you going to ask us?" Sakuragi asked eagerly.
"Na. It's pretty pointless to ask." Mitsui replied, glancing meaningfully at the benches, where Ayako, Haruko, and Kyouren were sitting. While Sakuragi and Miyagi turned beet red, he went back to practicing. My ideal girl..? hmm.. He glanced once more at the benches. The three girls were chatting animatedly, Ayako stroking her fan thoughtfully, Haruko smiling incessantly, and Kyouren's face lit up like Christmas as her mouth moved non-stop. Haruko.. Too nice. Ayako.. Not bad looking, but too tough. Kyouren.. Hyper. has quite a temper.
"Nope. No one." Except Angelina.
Hellloo.. Thanks for reading this silly chapter. Tried to get it moving again, sorry of scenes are shifting too rapidly, next chapter will transition better promise:)
