Teacher RuRu
Note: While this year hasn't been a good and easy one for me, I want to keep my faith intact and my hopes high. This fic is made when I was writing LateNights chapter4; this is like a side-fic I decided to scribble randomly. Its like a collection of random thoughts and musings. Its supposed to be a one-shot (again) but ended up being a multi-chap. It's a light read and hoping to keep it that way until the end. The title is from a good friend of mine, AddictedtoSD. Yes, and while it may not be the best title to a fic, I have decided to stick with it.
To: Star7, someone who I looked up to in writing fics; and who's always just a message away, and AddictedtoSD—my "twin" in the SD and SenRu fandom. I hate you for pressuring me to upload this. Hahaha!
Standard Disclaimers Apply
XXX
Teacher RuRu- Part1
The chalk made a soft scratching sound against the green board as he continued writing on it. Done, he turned around and looked at the expectant faces of his students. "So, this is your assignment, to be passed three weeks from now." Sighs of relief, smiles, and excited chatters buzzed amongst the students. He scoffed, expecting of course the reaction.
"1500 words, essay about certain topics I will be uploading on our learning blackboard sometime this week, please make sure to check on them." The bell rang. The students cheered as they scuffled their feet in a hurry. It's finally lunch break. He busily gathered all his papers, books, and record atop his desk and stuffed them inside his file bag, zipping it close. With one final look at the room, Rukawa Kaede stood up and walked towards the door, surprised when a student of his grab the handle and pulled the door open for him.
Rukawa flickered an eye and stare at his tenth-grade student. He was taller than most of his age, not quite tall as him yet, but, would most likely to outgrew him in a year or two; fair to tan skin, soft black hair that is styled in a side-parted quiff; one of the popular hairstyles for young boys nowadays. Its more subtle than a pompadour. His square face with a well- defined jawline, thick brows and deep set of grayish-blue eyes and his almost full lips as if always lined with a smile. He grinned and nodded. "Thank you, sensei."
Rukawa simply nodded and walked out but almost refused the urge the turn around. It was one of his many students—he forgot his name, but Rukawa knew the kid seemed quite popular in school, especially with the girls, and some guys. He was about to go down the stairs when he finally gave in and turned to see the class that he just went into, wondering the name of that kid again. Three years of teaching in a private institution, handling six sections (sometimes eight) with twenty-five students each, it wasn't a question why he doesn't know his students by their names.
And although all sections differ and is unique with one another, this particular section is probably one of the six he thought he feels quite a bit different of, not in a bad way though. Rukawa cant seem to pinpoint directly but deep inside he knew, one of which is- its probably because of that kid. He seemed vaguely familiar and not as well.
"Cole! Let's go!"
"Yeah, coming!"
Cole. Cole what? Cant remember. Rukawa heard the other kid called his student—the one that opened the door for him. With a scoffed, he scratched his head and went down the faculty room, dumping all his thoughts aside.
XXX
"Okay so, next week will be our first PTA for the ninth and tenth grade, I want everyone to submit your grades for the preliminary by this Friday." The head teacher reminded them as the faculty gathered in a lunch-meeting. Some groaned, some nodded, others have no reaction—busy eating their food to be listening to the old lady in front. Rukawa simply batted a stare and reminded himself inwardly. Three days. He only has three days to ready the grades, sheesh. And he hasn't finished checking some of the papers yet. Rukawa knew he'll be pulling an all-nighter series on this again. He clacked softly his tongue and twitched his mouth. 'Well, who told you to become a middle-school teacher, instead. Jerk.' He berated himself amusingly.
"You ready with your grades?" Ayako asked him. A colleague. History teacher and his senior. Rukawa shrugged, forking his pasta, his tastebuds suddenly turning bland as his mind raced on what to do first. "I haven't finished encoding mine, you know." Ayako chipped in.
Rukawa paused and stared at the curly, brown-haired girl. "You've encoded already?" Ayako nodded. "Two sections. Got four more left, hee-hee!" She cheered. Rukawa scoffed. "I haven't even finished checking the exams yet." Rukawa muttered lowly. Ayako groaned. "Aww, I wish I could help but…"
Rukawa shrugged, knowing Ayako's good nature. And besides, Ayako's a mom of two, and its amazing to think that she was able to cope up with work as well and fast. Rukawa had no right or any sort to complain—living alone, single and… alone. Rukawa almost felt the corner of his lips tugged. What a way to describe his current status.
XXX
Wednesday, Thursday, and finally… Friday. The days passed by Rukawa like some newly constructed bullet train. Busy is an understatement as he wakes up early, go to work, teach for almost ten hours, go home, sleep a bit, wake up again to finish checking, then encode until two in the morning; then wake up again at around 6 am, rush to work at 7:30 and repeat. It was… a battlefield.
Rukawa walked past the gym and saw the students playing basketball. He scoffed and having a few minutes to spare, found himself leaning discreetly on one door frame to stare how the PE teacher handles the one sport, Rukawa knew he's good at.
Ahh, basketball. Its been so many years. He's 35 years old now and he can still remember when at age 15, he's considered to be one the best. Such nostalgia. His physical prowess back then is something these kids wouldn't want to reckon with. He felt a tug on his lips, reminiscing the sport he once loved—and still enjoy playing from time to time, now, for fitness purposes. And although he could still play ball, much more, dribble, run, pass, and shoot it, Rukawa knew that the fifteen years difference is something he cannot deny in terms of physical limitations.
Still, Rukawa rolled his eyes as he sees how poorly the students handle the ball. He glared at the old PE teacher/coach; the old, big-bellied senior sits on the chair, pretends to grade the students, and doesn't bother to correct them as to how a ball should be dribbled. Rukawa went bug-eyed. His eyes hurt. Truth is, he applied as a PE teacher in that private school but the principal offered him to teach English instead, seeing he had a major in English.
Rukawa would have pointed out that if they want their school to perform well in sports, the old PE teacher should be replaced. But teaching English also comes with its perks, he is paid a tad bit more and Rukawa knew best that he has bills to pay. And so, English it is!
The students gathered when the assistant teacher blew the whistle. The old man stood up, and divided the group into two as the class prepares for a mini- basketball match. Rukawa knew he couldn't stand seeing how awkward the game would be played as he prepares his exit. 'Yare yare…' he thought. His school hasn't been known to excel in basketball anyway. Rukawa glanced one last time on his watch and decided to spend the last few minutes in the faculty room as he awaits his class in the afternoon.
He was about to turn around when his eyes caught sight of the shouts and cheers of the students. There, standing amongst them, was one of his students—it was after all, one of his English-handled class, section 10-4. And his eyes, for some reason befell upon one particular student.
"Cole, pass!"
"Defense!"
The mentioned name, standing against his student defender, dribbled slowly, eyes looking at his opponent, his lips curved into that smile, Rukawa couldn't comprehend. Cole drives, escaping his defender, dribbled—another defender came at him, Cole spins—the cheers doubled as Rukawa's eyes widened as well when he saw that particular move—his brain transporting him somewhere—some place, years ago, perhaps, to a gym, a court such as this as well… into a game, back then.
Cole dribbled between his legs, jumped up and pulled a two-pointer. The ball went in. His classmates cheered and clapped for him, delighted. Girls squealed as they flashed their camera phones. His teammates/classmates, tapped hands with him as Cole grinned, smiled, nodded and laughed with them.
Rukawa blinked—well, that wasn't so bad. And he almost thought that he was watching an old man's game. Rukawa stared one last time at the gym, and as he leaves, he wondered… where did Cole learn to play like that? Rukawa cant quite decipher yet, but the fact that the kid made an impression of him, he cant help but wonder why.
XXX
5:00 PM
The bell rang. Classes has finally ended. Friday. It's the weekend. The students ran off the corridor, greet their friends, gathered in groups as they discussed where to go on that Friday night. Rukawa dumped a sigh as he exited the last classroom he's been on and prepared to go to the faculty room. He was greeted by some of his students, girls mostly, obviously because of his striking features—still. While he certainly did age, Rukawa remained his figure back when he was still in college. His growth spurt didn't improve much since then, his height just sitting a tad bit above his usual 187cm; his raven black hair, his fair skin, his blue eyes, his pointed nose—well, his face didn't quite add u p; maybe it's the reason why some of his students thought he's still in his twenties. If only they knew.
"Bye, Sensei!"
"Thank you, Sensei!"
Rukawa nodded and curtly smiled sending a few giggling girls in frenzy as he descended the stairs. Rukawa slid the door open to the faculty room and went straight to his desk, noting some of the teachers leaving already, some still busy on their own tables. He was greeted by a few colleagues and was asked to join for some beer and late night hang-outs but Rukawa politely refused. He pulled his own chair and started opening some of his class records and notes.
"It's a Friday you know, no one died wanting to go home early." Ayako chirped in as she pulled on her purse and clutch a file folder on her left hand. She grinned. Rukawa simply blinked and scoffed lightly.
"What? Still not going home?" Ayako asked. Rukawa shrugged and raised a bundle of papers clipped together. "Still have to finish this." Ayako simply sighed, chatted a few more before finally waving her goodbye.
Rukawa simply stared at the closed door and flickered an eye around; he's not alone though, there's still three of them inside the room—the other two seemed busy as well, probably trying to finish the grades for submission, not minding him one bit. Rukawa took this as a sign to continue as well. He sighed, pulled his drawer, got his wireless earbuds, pressed something on his phone and soon after, his ear is blaring with some alternative music. Rukawa then released the clipped and continued checking his students' quizzes.
Thirty minutes passed since Ayako left him. Rukawa must have been engrossed checking all the papers, not even looking up. His brows furrowed every now and then as he read some of the students answers on the paper. He would sigh occasionally seeing that there are still quite a few handfuls of students who needs a deeper understanding with regards to their topic. His red ballpen made a soft 'slashing' sound against paper as he encircles correct answers and checked the wrong ones. His ear, obviously barred from the racket around, and he's got his noise canceling earbuds to thanked for.
Rukawa continued checking papers, turning them over once finished and putting a score atop as he slowly sways his head to the familiar song—the last line of the song came to a fading hum and only then Rukawa began to noticed that someone is literally standing in front of his desk. He blinked his eyes, frowned a bit, then slowly lifted his head up. It was a student. Rukawa removed one earbud off. He knew this student… what is his name again? Hmm. Hmm. Hmm. The student simply looking back at him, a smile on his lips. His grayish-blue eyes seemed vivid on that late afternoon.
"Yes… uh…" Rukawa muttered. Damn, I couldn't remember his name. He inwardly muttered. Rukawa knew he had to improved knowing his students' names. The student smiled—grinned and bowed.
"I'm sorry, sensei for disturbing you." A pause. Rukawa kept his silence. "Cole desu." Rukawa blinked his eyes. Ah. Dammit! Yeah of course. This kid, alright. Rukawa cleared his throat, shuffled the papers on one side and instructed his student to sit down. Cole did so. Rukawa waited for his student to say something, as he continued sorting checked papers from those that aren't. Apparently, this kid has something to say, for he wouldn't be sitting in front of him. Rukawa noted that Cole seemed taller though, even when sitting.
"So… what can I do for you?" Rukawa finally gave in first, sensing Cole wouldn't want to instigate the conversation. Or whatever it is he's there into. Cole smiled and nodded. "A-anou Rukawa-sensei…" A pause. Rukawa waited, pulled the other earbud off and pressed something on his phone.
"Its about the PTA next week?" Cole pauses. Rukawa blinked then shrugged. "So, what about it?"
"Well, I was wondering if my older cousin could attend in behalf of my parents, sensei. She's a university student in Todai." He smiled, rather unsurely but it suited him.
"Is your cousin the one who signed the PTA form I gave last week?" Rukawa asked in his low, quiet voice. Cole licked his lips and cleared his throat. "Umm… not really sensei." He paused. "Its… actually my Dad." Rukawa would have laughed if he were the bully type of teacher, but of course its not his nature. He shrugged and nodded. "Is there a reason why your father would not be able to attend?" Rukawa added—a bit authoritatively.
The thing with students nowadays, and especially if they're failing big time, the parents are not informed/ or made aware of. Because most of them are 'scared' to be disciplined, some are even afraid that they would get disowned. And other personal, and sometimes, mundane reasons. Hence, the PTA.
It is therefore his duty, Rukawa, to inform the parents of their child's academic prowess and behavior in school. Heroic as it may sound, it is dragging and Rukawa, hated the PTA very much. Because most of the time, the students love bringing their mothers and female guardians, and as much as he liked his job, talking to a gushing parent or guardian while they continue ranting about how good he looks, as they pose for some camera selfie, is something his nerves cannot handle. They just wouldn't listen.
Cole smiled. "Well, he's busy." Rukawa frowned then went back to being neutral. Of course, he's busy, he's the emperor of Japan. Hail the King. Well, I'm busy too! Rukawa raised a brow to Cole's confusion—then smiled a bit, amusing the younger lad. "Well, all the more he should attend then. PTA won't take a year of his busy life." He paused. Cole chuckled, amused at Rukawa's sarcasm. Rukawa blinked—first time he saw Cole's eyes crinkling like inverted crescents and he almost thought he looked like someone he thought he knew. Anyway…
"I'm sure you know why is there a PTA." Rukawa stated. Cole nodded. "I acknowledge that parents can be busy—I mean, they all are. But…this is also a good time for them to know about your academic standing and, they can ask us questions with regards to the school's teaching manner, subjects, activities, or if something is not sitting right with them. You do… understand?" Rukawa said. Cole nodded and smiled. "I understand, sensei. I'll… try to convince him." Rukawa nodded. "Yeah, you should." Silence.
The two minutes seemed like fifteen as Rukawa cleared his throat and pretended to open a record book. "Uh, is there anything else?" He muttered, glancing an eye to the 14-year-old lad in front of him. Cole shook his head and stood up to his height, clutching one strap of his bag behind him. "No, thank you… Rukawa-sensei." A smile. Rukawa simply stared… and nodded. Not quite getting why the sound his name sounded a bit…familiar on his student's lips. Rukawa vanished all his mundane thoughts and continued with his work. Determined to finish checking quizzes, record, then encode tonight for submission. TGIF.
He sighed as he stared at the final few pieces of paper that needs to be checked. He can finally go home after this. He momentarily looked at his watch and groaned. 6 PM. Ah great, and he thought he'd finished before six. Thanks to his student. He picked up his earbuds, pressed both of them and waited for them to 'pair' to his phone.
"Anou sensei…"
Rukawa blinked—paused and looked up, yet again. He's still here? Cole? Now what? Rukawa gasped a bit as he placed down again his phone and stared. Cole sheepishly smiled, scratched the back of his nape to Rukawa's confusion. "What?" Rukawa stated, this time a bit impatiently. Cole grinned. "Umm, you haven't uploaded the topics for our assignment? I know we still have two more weeks but…" Cole trailed off, smiling as if there's something amusing there.
Rukawa gape a bit and cleared his throat. Damn. He's right, I haven't uploaded the topics yet. Rukawa nodded and raised his right hand and absentmindedly scratched his cheek too. "Oh. Right. Right." Cole grinned. "T-thank you for reminding me, I guess." Rukawa muttered, opening suddenly his laptop to logged in onto their academic school page. Rukawa mildly shook his head, apparently too much paper works eating up his whole week. "Okay, will be uploading everything now. You can tell everyone to check tonight."
Cole nodded. "Arigatou, sensei…" Cole approached the door, slid it open and paused to turn around. "Sorry for interrupting you." He grinned and exited the room. Rukawa was left to stare at the door and can only shake his head.
XXX
7:00 PM
Cole dribbled the ball and pulled on a jumper. The ball went in. He run and caught the bouncing orange leather with his right hand, dribbled it again, a smile on his lips as he stared right up the basket. Just then the sound of a vehicle honking grabbed his attention. He picked up the ball and run towards the school's exit, nodding briefly at the guard. He stared at the familiar silver SUV and hopped inside.
"Sorry, I'm late." A grin.
Cole rolled his eyes. "You're always late… Dad." His father simply chuckled, adjusted the rear mirror and stared at his son. "Sorry… I had a lot of patients today." He grinned at his son. Cole pulled on the strap and clutched his bag. "You're all buckled up?" His dad asked him, Cole simply nodded and soon after they're hitting the road.
"So, how's school?" A question every parent usually asks. Cole simply sighed and shrugged. "The same." He smiled though. "Hey Dad, its our PTA next week…"
"Hmm, didn't you asked your adviser if your cousin can come instead?"
"I did but… it was you who signed the form." Cole muttered as-a-matter-of-factly. "Why not just dropped by instead?" Cole smiled.
The man sighed and nodded. He was busy and his schedule was tight next week. "Alright…" Cole's face lit up. "Okay, let's see if I can squeeze in a few minutes." Cole grinned and playfully patted his father on the right arm. "Yes!" His father simply chuckled at him. "Hey, I'm driving, Cole." A pause. "You hungry? Wanna grab a bite someplace?" Cole simply nodded. "Of course!"
XXX
Monday, PTA Day
Every member of the faculty went to work early that day, timing in as early as 6:00 AM, especially those assigned in groups to arranged chairs, organized classrooms and put up simple decorative 'welcome garlands' for the parents. Rukawa, too, timed in at around 7:00 am. He put on his simple white long-sleeved polo shirt, his black tie and his usual black slacks, with black leather shoes and socks and belt. Everything around him speaks that they all need to look, a bit formal—authoritatively as the head teacher would call it. He got few teases and taunts from some female teachers and some male counterparts, branding him as tenth grade's famous teacher. Rukawa simply rolled his eyes, sigh, scoff, and ignored mostly.
He opened his laptop and logged on the excel worksheet and prepared some of his record books and the usual 'flyers' to be given to parents promoting their school, the schedule of activities and other random matters. Rukawa then walked to his advisory classroom and saw some colleagues from lower years putting up garlands. He momentarily helped placing one garland as per requested by a short teacher who seems to be having a hard time hooking it atop. A few more minutes and Rukawa waited in anticipation as the clock strike 9:00 am—time to do what he thought he hated the most: smiling.
Rukawa heaved a sigh as he stared at his classroom's door. He swallowed involuntarily as anticipate the first parent and student pair that would step inside, go to his desk while the others wait on the chairs arranged on corners.
9:10 am—and the first tandem of mother and daughter student came in. Both smiling, especially the mother who seemed to have something in her hand. Second reason why Rukawa hated PTA; it's the 'gifts'. While its not obligatory, (and never was) some parents do give gifts to advisers for reasons they have yet to know. Its not bribery of some sort and Rukawa is grateful, but he deemed of it as absolutely unnecessary.
"Ohayou sensei!" His female student greeted and bowed. "This is my mother…"
"Ara… ohayou, sensei…" The mother greeted and bowed. Rukawa stood up, bowed and- yes, smiled. "Ohayou gozaimasu… please, have a seat." Both sat and immediately a paper bag was handed over to Rukawa knocking over his laptop.
"Oh! Hahaha! Sorry- gomenasai, sensei… I didn't mean to. I hope you love fluffy cakes! Hahahah!" The mother unabashedly exclaimed. "Okaasan… you…" Her daughter tried to pacify her mother. Rukawa scoffed lightly, smiled, and received the bag graciously and placed it under his table. "A-anou, you shouldn't have—so, I would be discussing…." Rukawa hovered over his laptop when the student showed her ID; Rukawa typed in the ID number and instantly all of her grades were highlighted. "… Tendou Mikasa's grades for this grading period."
…And so, the PTA Day has begun.
XXX
Monday, PTA Day, 10:30 AM
Busy. Busy. Everyone is busy. Faculty members walking to and fro at the corridor as most parents and students are now present and is crowding all the rooms; some even brought their brothers and sisters. The noise was quite immense but tolerable as well. Rukawa has been sitting on his desk, talking and explaining the grading system and scores to the very inquisitive ones. He already folded his sleeves up to his elbow, feeling the rising temperature of his classroom as it is now filled with both adults and middle schoolers. There is a designated coffee station in each room and it's a good thing while some parents waited for their turn. Mostly of course have their heads bowed down on their phones while some of the students cheered and laughed with their classmates.
Rukawa can actually feel his throat parched. Taking turns in explaining grading systems and his student's prowess. Those who have high and good scores have no problem, those who have failing marks are the bumps along his road. Some parents are timid, some are loud, some can be intimidating and some are… well, some are just in a hurry to get out of the room and leave (which is a good thing for him) but mostly, some are there to just 'chat' around with him, the other parents and just… chill. Of all places to chill. Why his classroom?
"Uh… and so, he really needs to pass all the quizzes in order for him to get a passing mark." Rukawa stated for the nth time.
"But can he still pass if he fails just one quiz?" The mother asked. "Pfft, okaasaan…." His student muttered.
"Shut up, I'm talking to your teacher! Sorry sensei… as I was saying…"
Rukawa dumped a sigh as he taps his pen endlessly on the desk. "It would definitely pull his grade down."
"Even if he just fails one quiz?! Cant you give him a project instead?!" The mother queried. Rukawa knew his patience is starting to wan a bit, he is hungry and thirsty and… "Sensei?! Sensei, what if you give a special project instead…"
"I'm sorry but… a project doesn't equate to all the lecture quizzes. Besides, if I were to give him one, I am compelled to give the others as well." Rukawa paused. "The more he would flunk because the project would be pulling up his classmates scores while he…" Rukawa stopped when he saw the the comprehension finally from the mother. A few more minutes and they both left. Rukawa sighed and decided to stand up for a moment to grab a cup of coffee but to his disappointed, his coffee station is already empty. Rukawa excused himself for a bit and walked outside the halls—saw some parents and students loitering, chatting, etc.
Rukawa walked pass two classroom and stopped at Ayako's classroom. He momentarily stared as Ayako expertly handled her own room. He knocked softly; Ayako batted an eye at him and when Rukawa raised his empty cup, Ayako simply nodded. Rukawa got himself some coffee and nodded his thanks and walked back to his classroom, sipping on his coffee, nodding when he was greeted by some students…
Rukawa sat back on his desk and called in instantly the next student. And so… the PTA resumed once more. He briefly stared at his wristwatch. Just an hour and a half more… you can do it.
XXX
12:00 noon
Rukawa stretched his long arms as he leaned back on his chair—he yawned as he cast an eye to the exiting parents and students. He sighed in relief and scanned his computer for a few more before finalizing everything, seeing not a thing is amiss, he logged off. Rukawa pushed his chair back, stood up and started packing his things. The crowd now gathered on the corridors, greetings, laughter, cheers, mostly from students, as they introduced their families to one another.
A knock on his door and Rukawa was made to look. It was Ayako, holding two plastic bags, and a smile on her face. "Sensei, free lunch for everyone!" Rukawa nodded. "Thanks, I'll be there." Ayako rolled her eyes and sashayed her way to the faculty room. Rukawa started erasing the 'welcome' lettering on his board, mind blank and seemingly not thinking of anything in particular than to have lunch and leave school early.
Meanwhile…
Cole sat on the stairs, tapping his left foot impatiently as he alternately looked at his watch to his phone. A tap on his back and he saw one classmate. "Cole, thought you didn't come?" Cole stood up, bowed to his classmate's parents and smiled. "No, I'm running late actually…is sensei still there?" Cole asked a bit worriedly. His classmate shrugged. "Yeah, I think so. You should hurry up, who're you with?" Cole twitched his lips and almost rolled his eyes. "Uh… my Dad…"
"Cole!"
Cole turned to look as well as his classmate and the reaction of his classmate was that of a bit in awe. Cole's father adjusted his light blue polo sleeves as he approached his son. Cole dumped a sigh and turned to look at his classmate and the mother as both seemed to have been 'starstruck' or some sort. "Uh, my Dad." Cole grinned, jabbing a thumb to his taller 'self'. The classmate bowed and smiled, the mother too, an obvious flush on her cheeks.
"Err, nice to meet you—sir!" Classmate paused and whispered to Cole. "Why is your father's hair up?" Cole chuckled. "He liked it that way, been always like that since he was in high school, I think." The classmate nodded.
"Ara, your father looked like a celebrity, Cole-kun." The mother sheepishly teased. Cole chuckled and rolled his eyes. "I assure you, he's not—right, Dad?"
Cole's father removed his dark ray bans and shook hands and bowed to both his classmate and the mother of his classmate, his cobalt blue eyes crinkling into crescents as he smiled and greeted the two. "Hello, nice to meet you… and you too, maam." He paused. "Oh, I'm just an adult who cant find a decent parking space." They all laughed at his statement.
A few more minutes and they went their own ways. "Hurry Dad, sheesh!" Cole muttered as he jogged his way up the stairs. His father simply stared at his son as parents and some students started noticing Cole and him.
"Cole! You're late!"
"I think sensei, already left!"
"Who're you with, Cole!"
"My Dad!"
"You look like him!"
"He looks cool!"
"Whoah, tall!"
"Kyaah, he's soo handsome, no wonder Cole-kun is…"
"So good-looking…"
"Wife is lucky…"
He roamed his eyes on the busy corridor, noting the rooms, the people around, the bulletin boards, the flooring of the school, and the crème-coloured walls. He looked at his watch and knew he was late, and he knew that he would have to make a nice excuse at his son's adviser to let them off. Its not that he's worried of his son's academic standing, he knew of Cole's prowess and while his son may not be a genius, he knew Cole is doing his best in all of his subjects and the kid is being open and honest with him, so he shouldn't worry. The one thing on his mind right now is…
Wow, this school should have an elevator, why are they even on the seventh floor? Sheesh. I'm hungry. Cole paused when he arrived at his classroom, eyes looking his Dad who was walking casually, eyes roaming around, both hands in his pocket. Cole sighed and knocked on the open door. He cleared his throat, his worried grayish-blue eyes, scanning his room. "A-anou, Sensei…"
Cole stepped in and noted that the board has been cleared, the chairs is being arranged back by their school's janitor. The janitor looked back and saw him. "You looking for your teacher, kid?" Cole nodded. The janitor continued lifting one chair and placing it behind another. "He left a few minutes ago—but I think he'll be back." Cole sighed and nodded. "Arigatou…" He walked towards the table and placed his bag atop on a chair and sighed.
12:45 PM
Claps. The old head teacher just finished her speech and thanked everyone for a successful PTA. Just then, the teachers went back into finishing their lunch. Some decided to just take it home with them and left early. Rukawa, too, thought of doing the same. "Hey, where are you going?" Ayako asked, while eating her food. Rukawa slid his bento box into a plastic and put it inside his bag. "Room, my things are still in there." He paused. Ayako blinked. "Arent you gonna eat here with us?" Rukawa shook his head. "Probably be heading home… want to sleep. Been a tiring week." He tugged the corner of his lips and Ayako simply chuckled. "What, still not used to it, eh? And what about those?" Ayako added, pointing to Rukawa's 'box' of gifts/goodies.
Rukawa almost forgot—third reason to hate PTA; he's always bringing home a box of stuff, mostly food that's sometime enough to last him a month. Not that he hates it. Ayako chuckled when she saw the problematic look on Rukawa's face. "What? You brought your car with you, right?"
Fourth reason to hate—probably this PTA season only. Rukawa's car is getting fixed and is in the garage. "Not today." Rukawa muttered and found himself plopping on his chair, sighing dejectedly as he ran a hand on his hair. Ayako blinked. "Noo way, Jose! How are you going to bring home those?" Rukawa shrugged. "Uber." Ayako chuckled but nodded. "Yeah, good luck to you."
"You can take half of it, you know. For your kids." Rukawa urged Ayako to lighten his load. Ayako laughed and shook his head. "Uh-uh, got five cakes today! I don't want my kids to be eating more sweets than usual." Rukawa simply chuckled softly and nodded. It was what he expected. Rukawa dumped one last sigh and stood up, checking up the time and noting it to be almost 1pm. "I gotta go back and head along." Rukawa stated to which Ayako simply nodded and soon enough, Rukawa left the faculty room.
XXX
"Maybe, your teacher already left."
"Its because we're late." Cole stated, rolling his eyes and puffing out his frustration. He heard a chuckle.
Cole looked to his right to see his father standing—more like almost blocking the doorway. "Dad, its not funny. It's the PTA." His father nodded and raised both hands. "Haha, alright, chill. Don't worry, I'll tell her its my fault."
"Actually, Dad…" Cole started. He was about to say that his adviser is not a female when Cole's eyes widened a bit and he was made to stand-up.
Rukawa was approaching his classroom when he saw a man leaning on his doorframe—he slowed on his steps and stared. The guy was tall—almost as tall as him but when he was a bit close, he noticed that he was indeed taller than him—probably by three more inches. Rukawa dumped a sigh and wondered. First off, he took note how the man seemed professional, judging by the way he dressed; light blue polo, folded up also to his elbow, a seemingly expensive watch on his left wrist, his right hand on his pocket, black leather shoes, black socks as well, almost the same with what Rukawa is wearing—his eyes roamed up to the man's seemingly broad back, nape… then, what probably caught his attention was…
Rukawa swallowed involuntarily. There weren't too many people in his life that sport the look. In fact, he thought he only knew of one person that ever did so. He wasn't sure though. Because its been almost more than a decade… he wasn't too sure. But what he knew of, he felt his chest raced a bit. Could it be? Rukawa felt his brows furrowed. He took another step and frowned, wondering how to get the guy's attention. And so…
Rukawa cleared his throat when he was just a half arms' length away from the guy standing with his back on him. Rukawa's eyes caught sight of someone inside the room—he saw him, his student. Cole? Ah, so that is why, Rukawa thought he was missing one more student. Rukawa heaved a sigh and cleared his throat again. "Excuse me." He muttered monotonously.
The man turned his head sideways, his face suddenly coming into view and with each revelation, Rukawa was made to blinked as his eyes came face-to-face with the person whom he thought had made a place, once, in his idle mind. He found himself gaping. The man turned around, his deep set of cobalt blue eyes, his perfectly arched brows, his high nose, his lips that seemed to be curved into a constant smile, his well-defined jawline but most-especially… his hair. No one sported that look, none that he knew of… no one, other than…
"Uh, yeah… me and my son is actually waiting for the teacher…" The man stated, eyes staring right back at him and just like Rukawa, the latter seemed to be caught in surprised, as he, too, stood there—seeing him, Rukawa Kaede, the person he thought of once to be someone…
Doaho. Rukawa frowned. They stand there, face-to-face. His cerulean orbs against his cobalt blue ones. The taller one was the first to spoke, of how it came to be, he, too, didn't know. "Ru… Rukawa… Kaede? What are you… what are you… doing here?"
Rukawa would have laughed if he were the boisterous type, but he's not. Its not the way he functions. And so… Rukawa dumped a sigh and placed a hand on his hip. "I am the teacher." He paused and stared at Cole who was looking at both of them. "D-Dad? He's, my adviser." A smile. And at that given moment, there were suddenly a lot of things in Rukawa's idle mind. He thought he could go home in peace and maybe, sleep the whole day, eat the cakes and sweets given to him—but no, fate seemed to have other plans as he came face-to-face with this person… no, a college colleague of him… a rival from back when he still plays basketball. His college classmate… and teammate… from Waseda University, almost thirteen years ago…
He smiled. "Jesus… Rukawa, it is you alright. How are you? What are you doing here? What… I mean…" Cole's father trailed off, placing both of his hands on his hips as well, staring at the slightly shorter and younger man that once ran on the courts in college with him; he put on his smile and extended his hand for a shake. "Its good to see you again… Rukawa Kaede." A pause. "Its been awhile."
Rukawa didn't knew what to say—more so, what to think, and so he ended up grabbing the hand. And as their hand's clasps, Rukawa's mind wondered why fate seemed to toy with him. The world always says, everything happens for a reason, but Rukawa wished sometimes, he knew the reason.
"Yeah. I… I work here."
"Oh, really."
Rukawa rolled his eyes, their hands still clasped. "Good to see you, too…" The taller chuckled. "Thought you're just passing by." The taller teased. Rukawa scoffed as they both withdrew their hands. "I'm the teacher, now get out of my doorway, Sendoh Akira."
Sendoh grinned and moved aside. "Aye-aye, sensei. Sorry."
"D-Dad? You two, knew each other?" Cole asks. Rukawa stared at Cole… for some reason, shedding a new light of interest at the kid whom he thought was just someone who'd go to school just for the sake of finishing it. Rukawa looked back at Sendoh Akira, still smiling, leaning on the doorframe. Rukawa then turned at Cole, looking up at him, smiling—the Sendoh Akira smile and Rukawa almost went bug-eyed. Gods, is this an apparition or some sort?
"Yeah, we were college classmates." Sendoh stated. Cole's eyes widened, lips curving into a bigger smile. "Hontou ni! That's amazing… sensei." Cole stated returning his look at Rukawa who simply rolled his eyes and went around his desk. "So…" Rukawa started. "… why are you late?" Rukawa asked Cole. And Cole, being a 'Sendoh', scratched the back of his nape and grinned. Sendoh raised his hand. "My fault, teacher." He grinned. Rukawa rolled his eyes and sat down. "I thought so."
And so, even when the PTA over… Rukawa wondered why does his musings about fate suddenly wont leave him. Its like as if they've been there all along. Waiting. Just… waiting. As if reminding him that there's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.
And as Rukawa discussed Cole's grades to him and Sendoh, he wondered why fate sometimes doesn't care about his other plans in life.
"And so… no problem. You seem to pass all subjects." Rukawa stated, eyes trying to limit its cast only upon the student and his computer. "Even yours?" Sendoh stated, his long legs crossed over the other, as well as both of his arms, making his polo shirt looked like a snug fit right onto his well-carved torso.
Rukawa stared at his former classmate. "Yeah." Sendoh smiled and playfully ruffled his son's hair. Cole tapped away his hand. "Dad, stopped it, you're ruining my hair!" Sendoh chuckled. "So that's why your favorite subject is English, eh." Rukawa's brows lifted.
Cole felt his ears flushed. "D-Dad, what the heck… I said, I'm okay with English." He paused. "Nah, you said English is your favorite…" Sendoh paused and turned at Rukawa. "Now I know, why." He grinned.
Rukawa scoffed, wondering what Sendoh meant. Though he thought he felt his ears warmed. But then, it must be his imagination. He cleared his throat and pretended to be scrolling something on his computer. Silence. "Well, that's it." Rukawa stated, sensing the two Sendoh's aren't getting up yet. "Is there anything else you would like to ask, Cole?" Rukawa said turning to the student. Sendoh raised his arm. Rukawa annoyingly batted an eye. "Yes… father of Cole?"
Cole chuckled, Sendoh, too, laughed. Rukawa found his lips almost tugging upward but was able to hold it off. "Jeesh, Rukawa…you're scary, you know." He grinned. Rukawa scoffed. "Dad, why the heck is your arm raised?" Cole asked, rolling his eyes. Because your father is an idiot. Rukawa wanted to say but held it at bay. "I have a question." Sendoh stated. Rukawa waited. This better be worth the minute.
"Why is there no elevator in this school?"
XXX
Cole waited on the bench as Sendoh went to get their car. He turned to see Rukawa standing on one corner, eyes on his celphone, a backpack on his bag, a large paper bag on one hand and a large box on his side. Cole was about to stand up and greet him when Sendoh arrived. Cole heaved a sigh and pulled on the door on the front and hopped in. Sendoh stared at his son then up front.
Sendoh didn't knew but- the day turned out pretty surprising for him. He was contemplating on ditching the PTA actually but somehow, he was glad he didn't. It was something he didn't expect—this day, it was rather… surprising and somewhat fleeting as well; its like a misplaced feeling of an emotion, he thought he'd let off a long time ago.
"Dad?" Cole asked, when he felt they weren't moving yet. Sendoh held his grip on the wheel, and felt his lips curved upward.
Rukawa frowned for the nth time when his ride has been canceled. What the hell is with this UBER drivers that has the nerve to cancel passengers. He reminded himself to give 1-star to the last driver. He was about to book another ride when an SUV stopped before him. Rukawa's brows furrowed and he looked up to see Cole's window seat opened. "Sensei!" He greeted. Rukawa simply nodded then turned at the driver who went down to Rukawa's surprise. Sendoh, what the hell.
"Hey, Rukawa… need some help with that?" Sendoh asked smoothly, as if he's been asking someone on a date. Deep inside, Sendoh thought he'd probably be going home with a socked-up face. Rukawa frowned.
"No, I'm good. Thanks." Rukawa muttered. While Rukawa knew he needed a tad bit of help, Sendoh's probably the last person on his list he's going to ask for, but he wondered if he even had a list on the first place.
"Are you sure? We could give you a lift." Sendoh smiled batting an eye at the box then to the paper bags and—at everything. Rukawa contemplated. Sendoh just stood there, smiling. Rukawa contemplated more. Sendoh, still, stood there... a smile on his face. "No, thank you." A ding sound and Rukawa was made to look. "Booked already. Uber." Rukawa stated.
Sendoh, sensing its no use to prod further, nodded and waved. "Alright, we're off now." He paused. "It was nice seeing you… again." A smile. Rukawa held his stare and simply nodded. "Yeah, you too." Sendoh grinned and hopped inside the vehicle, honked one last time and went off.
"Sayonara, Sensei!" Cole hollered. Rukawa simply stared at the kid and to the guy whom he thought was eyeing him on the rear mirror. A ding sound interrupted Rukawa's small reverie. Sorry, your driver just canceled.
"Ahh shhhiiitt!" Rukawa wanted to throw his phone and walked home, leave everything be and sulk.
XXX
TBC. Sorry! Off to some place; so I wont have any access to my computer; yep, no updates. Will be back in a week. À bientôt! I'm trying to finish your one-shot and write/ update the non-english fic you like, akiraismylover!