Notes: I honestly have low-to-zero expectations of this fic, I mean, readers can be selective of what they would want to read and invest their time on, and so I am overwhelmed and happy to received positive feedbacks. I'll try to update this as fast as I can and continue as well with the other fics. (Someone mailed me about Litost & LateNights, lol! Yeah, of course-sorry for deleting those two.) Thank you. :D
Warning: Typo and grammatical errors ahead. Self-edit only.
Teacher RuRu-Part 2
Monday, 8:00 PM
Rukawa plopped heavily on his bed while munching in some goodies he got from that day's PTA event; munching on some protein bars, he stared at his own ceiling, mind still stuck on that late afternoon. Sendoh Akira. Who would have thought? What the heck. Its been a decade or some sort when he graduated from college and truth is, he never thought he'd be seeing a colleague or a classmate ever since he stepped out of the university.
Waseda University; they had a good season there, for three years, they made it to the finals. Champions for two times, especially when he and Sendoh teamed up in college. They were Waseda's indestructible duo. Even the Aces and star players of other colleges and universities had a hard time beating them. For three straight years, Waseda has been a force to reckon with, thanks to them of course. But contrary to everyone's belief… he and Sendoh weren't really that close back then. They're colleagues, school mates, teammates… but close friends? Uh-uh. Not really. They're good acquaintances though.
Must be because of that rivalry. Theirs isn't really built on hatred. They have a good rivalry because its built-on respect and on respect for excellence. While Rukawa knew that Sendoh's calibre on court is something he would always want to strike down, he knew that Sendoh regards highly of him as well. Sendoh is more of the university's player. He's got the following of the whole campus, fans, girls, admiration—his outgoing and approachable demeanor makes it easy for everyone to like him.
Unlike him. Rukawa is… well, Rukawa is built on silence. It's the way he functions. He's quite Sendoh's opposite and maybe, just maybe, it's the main reason why even during their college days, he's known to be the cold, distant, aloof guy. But Sendoh knew of this of course and he would tell everyone that its his 'normal'.
Rukawa can remember that there are times that when their coach would want to tell him something, the guy would literally go to Sendoh and asked him to tell Rukawa. Sendoh would approach him casually when the game's over, sit on the bench, tell him of the coach's observations, etc. Rukawa would simply scoff, nod, and shrug. Sendoh would chuckle amusedly and—ruffle his hair to his annoyance. But he never did bat his hand away. And Rukawa had always wonder.
Those were the years. He partly knows of the older secret trysts, especially with the girls—mostly. But not because the information comes from Sendoh himself; it was mostly second-hand material and gossips from random people. But he'd ignore them all, because it isn't his business. When Sendoh graduated from college, Rukawa knew that Sendoh decided to pursue medicine, he just wasn't too sure what school after Waseda. And he also didn't know what Sendoh decided to specialized in. But he did ask him one time, he just wasn't sure if its surgery or internal medicine.
He, on the other hand, earned a college degree on business management, he also found himself majoring in English, then went on further ahead to try earning units in education. He even finished a masters degree for two years while working in a managing company in the earlier years.
Fate has been funny and amusing for both of them—most of their friends, colleagues, and families expecting them to be future basketball coaches or maybe do some sports commentaries and stuff, but it just didn't happen.
Rukawa found himself smirking a bit, finding his mind drifting as far as the yesteryears of college. Oh well. Everything's been done and over with. They're both adults now. He is quite finding a bit of satisfaction teaching in middle school (for now). And Sendoh is…
Rukawa hoisted himself up, crossing his legs atop his bed as he munched on the bar. Sendoh is a family guy now. He never thought Sendoh would choose to settle down; Rukawa honestly thought its never his personality—but he did. And he even has Sendoh's son as his student. Rukawa rolled his eyes, shook his head at the weird coincidence of everything.
Rukawa hopped off the bed and decided to tidy up his things. He went to the kitchen and opened the fridge and sighed for the nth time—seeing his fridge full of cakes, food, pastries, some doughnuts, chocolates, etc. He grabbed his tumbler, drank water, and went back to his room to open his laptop and started typing in some new lecture topics.
XXX
Two weeks have passed since that fateful PTA and Rukawa is back in the lion's den. It's the normal lecture, laboratory, quizzes, assignments, seatwork week. The students were a picture of real-life zombies as they were continuously pummeled by all of their subjects. Rukawa would have laughed seeing his noisy and some misbehaved students having the hard times of their lives. And then of course, there were the serious ones, the studious ones—the future 'leaders' of their nation.
Rukawa stood on one corner as all of his students had their heads bowed down on a pop-quiz he decided to give them one day. His eyes quietly roam around as each student stared, tap their pencils, and scratched their heads, cheeks, and napes while answering quietly.
He walked slowly from aisle-to-aisle, observing and watching out for possible cheaters. Rukawa found himself staring at one particular student of his. The student on the last chair, head bowed down, eyes moving, reading the questions probably, a pencil on his right hand… Cole Sendoh. Rukawa found himself gazing on the kid, his arms crossed while leaning on the table behind him. And as if on cue, Cole lifted his eyes up to Rukawa's surprise. Their eyes met. Cole smiled and Rukawa didn't know but he furrowed his brows, not because he's mad… but he's somewhat, puzzled. Sendoh's genes sure is strong. Pfft. Rukawa cleared his throat earning a few looks from his students, Cole, too, and the kid went back to answering the pop quiz.
The students stretched their arms as they chatted and groaned while opening their books. Some are pumping their fists in the air while some knew they failed Rukawa's pop quiz. Rukawa got the papers handed to him by one student, filing them neatly on one folder. "Sensei…"
Rukawa looked up. Cole handed him his quiz with a smile. Rukawa simply received the paper and placed it inside his folder. Cole is still there. Weird kid. "Anou, Sensei… can I talk to you please after class?" A smile. Rukawa's brow furrowed. "What about? Cant you tell me now?"
"Uh, well… its not related to English subject." He grinned.
"What is it?" Rukawa prodded, placing one hand in his pocket. Rukawa's eyes looked past Cole then to the clock inside the room; time for recess. "Okay, break time, come back in fifteen." The students cheered and rushed outside the room, leaving the two of them.
Only Rukawa then turned to his student. "You were saying?" Cole grinned. "Uh, well… the thing is Rukawa-sensei, we will be having a practice match of basketball with Aidan Middle School two weeks from now and I was hoping if…" Cole swallowed involuntarily. "…if you could help us with our practice?" A grin. "Please?" He smiled—the Sendoh-smile.
Rukawa blinked his confusion. Practice game? Basketball? This kid is asking him to help them? But he is not their PE teacher. Rukawa sat down while organizing papers. "Don't you have Takato-san as your PE teacher. He's also the coach, right?"
"Yes but…" Cole started. Rukawa looked up. "…but we haven't won a single game with him." Cole trailed off softly. Rukawa wanted to laugh. But he held it off. "I'm sorry but… I'm not your PE teacher, Cole-kun." Rukawa stated slowly. Rukawa saw the flash of disappointment in Cole's eyes. And he almost thought he felt a tad bit guilty. But… he was just telling him the truth. Cole nodded. "I… I understand, sensei." Cole bowed and turned around and started walking away. Rukawa watched the dejected back of Cole.
"Why don't you asked him…" Rukawa stated. Cole paused, turned around slowly. "… your Dad." Rukawa added. Rukawa felt a tad bit of goosebump when he said that. And he wondered. Cole smiled weakly.
"He's always busy. Always in the hospital most of the time, sensei. Duty." A pause. Cole smiled. "Anyway, thanks sensei." Cole left. Rukawa was left alone in the room. First time he felt guilty of something he knew he shouldn't be anyway. He dumped a sigh and rubbed his temples as he placed both palms on top of his face.
XXX
Three days passed. "See you!" Rukawa nodded as Ayako waved goodbye to him. Rukawa walked to the designated parking space for teachers, pressed his car keys and instantly his red Mazda sedan lit up. He opened the passenger seat and placed all of his things behind. He then, opened the driver's seat and was about to sit down when he heard the squeaks of rubber against linoleum. The parking is placed right next to the school's gym and so, curiosity seeping in, he decided to walk and peep. He swore he would just take a glimpse. Rukawa was lucky the door was left ajar and saw middle-school players—students playing. He recognized them of course, some of which were his students. He saw him, too, of course. Cole. They were practicing dribbling, passing, shooting...
Rukawa tried to flicker his eyes around and saw just the assistant teacher standing there, watching them. He found himself observing the students as they pass, dribbled, and shoot. Especially him, Cole—Sendoh's son. He saw how the kid had potential, his dribbling skill is amazing for his age and he could pull off some shots, quite reminding him a lot of his father, alright.
He saw how Cole, tried to teach a teammate on how to handle the ball—a smile on his face, even though the kid knew they'd probably lose the practice game because just with one look, Rukawa knew that his teammates are all novice to the sport, they love the sport but sometimes, loving the sport isn't enough especially when one doesn't have a mix of talent and skill… but Cole has. Well, unfortunate of him. Rukawa knew that the team would probably have a fighting chance if coached properly and he could only dump a resigned sigh being reminded of the old coach that is nowhere to be found.
Yare yare… must be suffering from his gout again—the old fart. Rukawa inwardly mused. He shook his head one last time and was about to head back to the parking space when he almost jumped off to his surprise.
"Spying on the kids, sensei?" A smile. Rukawa felt his chest raced, caught off guard by no other than… Rukawa frowned as he straightens himself up. "What the heck are you doing here?" Sendoh Akira grinned and shrugged as he pulled the door a bit more to peep as well. "Waiting for my son to finish practice, of course. And you?" Sendoh asked back, a smile on his lips.
Rukawa clacked his tongue and shook his head. What an idiot. "In case you forgot, I work here." Rukawa uttered as he prepares to leave. Sendoh chuckled amusedly. Rukawa simply looked at him. Sendoh was wearing yet again a nice polo shirt, black slacks, the usual when he first saw him but Rukawa took note of Sendoh's seemingly tired eyes; his hair also is somewhat already disheveled, some falling down like short fringes.
"Do you… always fetch him after school?" Rukawa found himself asking. Sendoh nodded, eyes looking at the playing kids. "I don't…sometimes." Sendoh turned at Rukawa who was standing just a few steps away from him. "He can go home by himself—but, it's the least I could do… being always at work and all." A smile. Rukawa kept his silence. Sendoh eyed his former teammate, wearing a short-sleeved polo shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, a pair of black slacks and leather shoes and his usual scowl on his pale face.
Rukawa honestly wanted to asked something else but he got tongue-tied for some reason and wasn't too sure if it was the appropriate time or place to asked away and so he decided to just leave it be and maybe, leave it… forever be. Its not a big deal anyway, and while Sendoh is someone whom he deemed to be as the 'closest' person he had in college (but not even quite), he cant remember the last time he even started a conversation with the latter.
"I gotta go." Rukawa stated and started walking away.
"Hey Rukawa…" Sendoh started, shifting in his position to approached the latter, both hands in his pocket. Rukawa paused to turn around—wondering. Sendoh held his stare, a smile on his lips. "I was wondering if you want to hang out some time?" A grin.
Rukawa gape a bit—surprised. Not quite expecting the informal invitation. He was about to say something but wasn't able to get out some words. Sendoh grinned. "Well?"
"Hang out?" Rukawa repeated. Sendoh nodded. "Yeah, you know… like a date?" Alas, poor Rukawa turned beet red, felt his fist closed and furrowed his brows. Sendoh laughed, seeing Rukawa's reaction amused him immensely. Its like… its like something he thought he'd been wanting to see.
"What the hell?" Rukawa started. Sendoh raised both of his hands. "Language, sensei… I'm kidding. But seriously, let's hang out some time, what'd you say?" He grinned. Rukawa remained annoyed.
Sendoh rolled his eyes. "Aw, c'mon now… its not like we're strangers, are we? Catch up with each other? I mean, I haven't seen the others since God knows when and when I finally saw you again… its… I thought we should… maybe…" Sendoh trailed off like a lost puppy.
Rukawa simply knotted his brow with each word that escaped Sendoh's mouth. But, of course he knew what Sendoh meant and he honestly thought that it isn't so bad—maybe he could asked those questions that has been lingering in his mind as well ever since seeing him again. Rukawa dumped a sigh and turned around to Sendoh's surprised. Rukawa started walking away. Just then, the practice game ended and out came Cole and the others.
"Dad!"
"Hey buddy…" Sendoh greeted as he slaps hands with his son and ruffled his hair playfully. "Ugh, you stink." He grinned. Cole rolled his eyes. "Dad, I played basketball, what do you expect?" Sendoh laughed. "Hey, I still smell like flowers even after playing back then… right, Rukawa-sensei?" Sendoh called on to Rukawa's surprise. He turned and almost gave Sendoh the incredulous look. Cole simply looked at his Dad, then to Rukawa, a smile on his lips.
"Dead flowers." Rukawa muttered. Sendoh laughed, Cole, too, amused at his teacher's dry humor. Rukawa found himself tugging the corner of his lips as he walked towards his car.
And Rukawa knew he should have just left when he had the chance, but he just had to take a glimpse at the kids playing and so he was left with this predicament because Sendoh freaking Akira just had to asked—in front of his son! For Pete's sake.
"Hey Sensei…" Sendoh hollered, placing both hands on his hips. Cole stared at his Dad, wondering yet again his racket then to his teacher who was on the driver's side of his car already. Rukawa looked back for the nth time, annoyed. Sendoh smiled. "How about playing a one-on-one match game with me this Sunday?"
Rukawa gasps and felt his hand gripped tightly on the car door. Sendoh grinned. "Well? Its just a short basketball match, for old time's sake." Rukawa knew better than to say 'yes' or 'no' as he was contemplating on the challenge; first off, Cole is there and he knew better than to say no—Cole would see him probably as a coward which he couldn't afford (for some reason) but if he say yes and lose as well, he would still embarrassed himself to his rival and his son. Rukawa scoffed and shrugged.
"What? Not up to it? Just for fun?" Sendoh asked again, eyes almost boring holes on his face. "You sure have a lot of time." Rukawa muttered, trying to turn away from the challenge. "Veering away from the conversation, eh?" Sendoh leered. Rukawa gasps. "I don't-?!" Sendoh chuckled. "Whatever, teacher." Sendoh turned around and nodded at Cole, signaling him that they, too, should leave. Rukawa felt a vein popped. Sendoh sure knows how to ticked him off—and in front of his student, nonetheless! What the hell?!
Just then, an idea popped into Rukawa's head and before Sendoh can even open the driver's door to his luxurious-looking SUV, Rukawa was right behind him. Sendoh was surprised as he turned around. Cole was already inside the vehicle. "What if I win?" Rukawa suddenly asked, eyes determined not to lose.
Sendoh found himself smiling as he leaned back on his car, crossing his arms, eyes staring at Rukawa Kaede's cerulean orbs. "Well… congratulations, I supposed?" Sendoh grinned. Rukawa scoffed. Sendoh chuckled. Rukawa smirked. "I have a better idea." Sendoh shrugged and smile. "Lets hear it, teacher Ru."
Rukawa shifted his weight on one leg and crossed his arms as well. "If I win on Sunday, you would have to help your son and his team for an upcoming basketball match a week from now. Train them." Rukawa said with a straight face and eyes of steely determination. Sendoh paused for a while and furrowed his brows. "Isnt that-supposed to be -your… job?" He grinned. Rukawa scoffed as he felt his fist close. Sendoh laughed.
What a straight-face-jerk. Rukawa mused inwardly. "I'm not the PE Teacher." Sendoh let out a hollow laughed. "Oh, and I definitely do not work here." He chuckled amusedly. "I'm not even a teacher, hahaha!"
Rukawa scoffed, obviously getting caught at his own trap which isn't good. Cole was eyeing them almost oddly. "And he's definitely not my son." Rukawa uttered in his losing game of bet.
Sendoh's brow raised—obviously feeling cornered. Rukawa almost smirked, getting the upper hand now, slightly. Sendoh smiled and shook his head. "Okay, okay… I get it. You finally used that father-and-son- voodoo on me, huh." Sendoh grinned. Rukawa rolled his eyes. "Doaho, its called, reality." Sendoh simply raised his hands and said nothing.
"Alright, I'll help him and his team. Sure." Sendoh stated batting an eye at Cole who has no idea because the doors and windows are closed. Rukawa smirked and pointed a finger at Sendoh before turning away. "Good. See you on Sunday then, father of Cole." And Rukawa walked away feeling triumphant already.
"Hey! Where do you think you're going anyway, teacher of Cole?" Sendoh hollered, a grin plastered on his handsome face. Rukawa halted to a stop and turned—feeling the warming of his ears upon hearing Sendoh's rebut at him. "I haven't told my condition yet." Rukawa frowned. Sendoh pushed himself off of the vehicle and approached the latter with both hands in his pocket.
"What if I win, instead?" Sendoh asked back, a grin on his face. Rukawa kept his silence. Why, of course, Sendoh had not forgotten. Rukawa wanted to kick himself inwardly. "You won't." Rukawa confidently stated. Sendoh laughed. "Ohoho… scary." He grinned. "Okay, so if I win… which I definitely would…" Sendoh stated. Rukawa scoffed. "Yare yare…"
"Hey… hey… its my turn to speak, let me…" Sendoh stated. Rukawa kept his silence. "If I win on Sunday—you'd hang out with me. For a month." Sendoh stated with much conviction Rukawa was left to gape at the spot that Sendoh left him. What the-?! A month-?! Is he a jerk?!
XXX
"Light, please." Sendoh stated and the surgical light was pulled by a nurse on his right side to better assist him. Accompanied by a soft guitar acoustic music in the room, Sendoh, donned in complete personal protective equipment, carefully positioned both of his hands as they prepare to operate on a patient lying on the table.
"So, we're going to perform cabbage or CABG which is your coronary artery bypass graft and intern 1, why is there a need for cabbage?" Sendoh asked an intern under his wing. The intern resident nodded and answered behind her mask. "To restore normal blood flow to an obstructed coronary artery." Sendoh nodded. "Good… and cabbage is indicated when- intern 2?" Sendoh proceeds to throw another question as he expertly draw a line mark on the superficial skin, "Ten-blade, please." The nurse nodded as the said tool and clamp were handed to him.
"When coronary arteries have a 50 to 99 percent obstruction, sensei." Intern 2 answered. Sendoh nodded again. And so, his typical day at work begun.
"O2 sat at 93%. Hemoglobin is 134 and hematocrit is 34%. " The nurse reported. Sendoh nodded.
"Two units of O-negative packed red blood cells, available, typed and crossmatched, Doc." Another nurse uttered.
Sendoh nodded again. "Great, lets hook one up…" A pause. He looked around and nodded. "Okay, lets begin, everyone. Forceps please…"
After three hours…
Sendoh thoroughly washed his hands on the sink as he stretched his neck from side to side, feeling the tensing up of his muscles there as well as on his back. He was patted on the back by a fellow surgeon. "Good job, Doc." Sendoh nodded. "Yeah, you too… thanks." And after a few minutes, Sendoh was off the surgery room and was discussing the recovery rate of his patient to the family in the waiting room. He nodded, smiled, and talked for a bit before excusing himself.
Sendoh walked the busy and familiar halls of the operating room floor, donned in his navy-blue scrubs, his black rubber shoes, and a white coat that clung to him and his perfect torso. He nodded and smiled at the doctors, nurses, aides, and the other healthcare workers as he struts his way back to his office, passing by an aisle of sitting patients.
He pushed the door open and instantly his secretary stood up. "You're late, they've been waiting for half an hour already." Yayoi muttered as she handed the first record of his first clinic patient. Sendoh simply rolled his eyes but smiled. "I performed a CABG, wish I could just snap my fingers like Thanos and everything will be fine, or not."
Yayoi simply giggled. "Should I call on Mr. Honda?" Sendoh nodded as he opened the door to his clinic. "Sure, call everyone in as well." Yayoi simply chuckled as he called on Sendoh's first patient. And so, the second-half of Sendoh's busy life, began—once again.
7:30 PM, Sunnybrook School
"Cole?"
Cole groaned as he rubbed his eyes and opened them—seeing his father hovering above him, a mellow look on his cobalt blue eyes. "Sorry… I got tons of patients today in the clinic." Cole simply groaned but nodded, not saying anything. He hoisted himself up from the stairs of the school entrance and dragged his feet into their car. Sendoh heaved a sigh as he stared at his son who instantly fell asleep again upon hitting the passenger seat; feeling a tad bit guilty for not always being on time to pick him up, but his job demands more of him as well. Sendoh felt that maybe he shouldn't have pursued medicine at all. With a tired rubbed on his eyes, Sendoh headed home.
XXX
Friday, Sunnybrook School, Two days before the 1 on 1
"Today we'll be learning adjectives and adverbs…" Rukawa stated, while writing on the green board. The students started opening their notebooks and books. Rukawa turned and continued. "We'll start off with the form and use of comparative and superlative adjectives…" He uttered, flickering an eye around the room and finding himself staring at the bowed head of Cole. Rukawa ignored him at first and threw a question to which his A-student raised her hand. "Yes, uh…" Rukawa paused, forgetting the name of his student again.
The class giggled. "Naomi, Rukawa-sensei." Rukawa nodded and pocketed one hand. "Thank you for reminding me… so, Naomi-kun, what are some examples of superlative adjectives…"
Cole felt a kick on his chair from behind as he lifted a head up, eyes a bit dazed but widened when he saw Rukawa standing before him, both hands in his pocket. Cole immediately straightened up, to the giggles of his classmates and looked around then to his desk and opened his book, trying to locate today's topic.
Rukawa cleared his throat. "Page 55. Adjectives." Cole stared at Rukawa's blue eyes and swallowed involuntarily, nodded a bit. "S-sorry, sensei…" He mouthed softly.
Rukawa turned around and walked back in front. "Okay, assignment…" The students started shuffling their notes as Rukawa wrote something on board. Cole grabbed his pen and they all copied what Rukawa wrote on the board. The bell rang and instantly the students hurried to get up as they prepare to leave once more—another week ended.
"Sendoh Cole, you stay."
The boy looked up and nodded, he knew he would be reprimanded. When everyone's left, Cole slowly gathered his bag and walked up front—to Rukawa who was sorting papers and stuff. He cleared his throat. "Uh… you called for me, sensei…"
Rukawa looked up and stared at Cole who's got slightly dark bags under his eyes. Rukawa also took note that Cole hasn't fixed his hair like usual. Rukawa sighed and instructed his student to sit. Cole did so. "Did you sleep last night?" Rukawa fired the question. Cole went silent for a minute before smiling slowly, nodding. "Uh… a bit late."
"How late?" Rukawa prodded, almost testing Sendoh Akira's son as if wanting to gauge the boy's temper and piety in his studies. "Well…" Cole sighed. "My Dad fetched me a bit later than usual and so… we came home late and when I arrived… I watched a few basketballs matches sensei…so…" Cole trailed off. Rukawa need not to hear everything, he knew. He snorted. "You came home late and managed to squeezed in to watch some basketball game." Cole nodded, blinking.
"Why?" Rukawa asked. Cole blinked.
"Why spent the night watching games?" Rukawa prodded, feeling a tad bit angry at himself for asking something he knew he'd once spent all of his energy on.
"I… well, the practice game with Aidan, sensei… Coach Takato is not around; I need to see some tips from my Dad's matches, I don't want us to lose." Cole stated.
Rukawa's eyes widened a bit. "You're watching what…"
Cole smiled a bit. "My Dad's college matches—his Waseda years…" Rukawa gasped a bit. Cole smiled. "The championship match with Tokyo U—you were also there, sensei…" Cole smiled, his eyes looking a sleepy but oddly warm as well.
Rukawa was surprise as he kept his thoughts at bay. Silence. He remembered of course. It was one of his unforgettable championship matches in college. He and Sendoh. It was a tight game—Tokyo U had their own star players with the likes of Maki Shinichi, and Fujima Kenji. It was a thrilling game and both schools are tied 3-3 in a race to four all or nothing game.
Cole snorted softly and smiled. "You… you were amazing, sensei… you played so well." Rukawa swallowed involuntarily as he taps his pen on a book. Cole stared at him. "Dad is… well, he's also…" Cole was almost contemplating if he should say it and was surprised when it was Rukawa who finished for him.
"Your Dad plays well." A pause. Cole blinked. Rukawa snorted. "He's… a great player—and captain." Cole slowly smiled and nodded, feeling proud of his father and grateful that someone as strong as Rukawa had come to acknowledge as well. "Thank you, sensei, he can be flashy though, sometimes." Cole added with a soft chuckle. Rukawa snorted softly. "An attention seeker." He paused. Cole laughed. "Does he like… getting your attention as well, sensei?" A grin.
Rukawa barely had the preparation for Cole's odd question as he simply made a rebut that would definitely shut the kid up. "I know someone who's got my attention… dozing off class." Cole smiled nervously and scratched his head. "Go-gomenasai, Rukawa-sensei."
"Basketball is like education... it is never done without errors and defeat." Rukawa paused, tapping the pen then batting an eye to Cole who was looking at him passively—the kid slowly nodded, understanding his words. "I know you love the sport but for now, first and foremost, you're still a student. Basketball will be always be around, you can always get back to it. Education wont. It'll like your ticket to the future and just so you know, the future only belongs to the people who prepared for it… today."
Silence. Rukawa stopped tapping the pen and flickered an eye to Cole who was simply staring at him all throughout. He wanted to asked if he understood but the look on his eyes is more than enough to answer him, he truly comprehended. Rukawa swallowed involuntarily—thing is, he wondered if he reprimanded too much. Cole would probably tell on Sendoh that he berated him and Rukawa is prepared to counter his college colleague anytime. Heck, I'm doing him a favor, he should be the one saying all these stuffs, hn!
"I… understand. Thank you, sensei. I'll keep that in mind." Cole nodded, smiling. "I'm sorry, again." Rukawa simply nodded back and gathered his things. "Well, you can leave now." Rukawa muttered as he closed his laptop and shuffled his books and papers, piling them all together in one stack. Rukawa stood up and placed his laptop inside a bag then grab the strap to put it on his shoulder. He bent down to get the folders he placed temporarily on the floor and when he got up, he blinked his eyes in confusion.
"Faculty room, sensei?" Cole asked, clutching all the folders and other books with both hands. Rukawa blinked and nodded.
XXX
Friday, 6:00 pm
Rukawa was left yet again in the office, trying to finish a few more folders. He would yawn once in a while and stretched his long arms and legs, leaning back on his chair and swivel it around as he cast an eye at nothing in particular. Its been an hour since Cole helped him placed all his things in the faculty room. Rukawa snorted. In fairness to Sendoh's son—he's quite… a nice kid. Well, all students seemed 'nice' in front of him anyway, but Cole is oddly nice. And no, it doesn't bother him.
Sendoh Akira was nice to him back in college and to everyone almost. He's got tons of friends and acquaintances within Waseda and outside of the university. Hell, the guy could run for a youth position in the government and probably start a campaign or some sort.
Rukawa heaved a sigh and went back to his desk, looking at Cole's quiz. He nonchalantly checked the paper, encircling almost all the numbers from 1-15. One mistake. Check. Check. Check. Check. Rukawa blinked then wrote 19 out of 20 atop the paper. Well, not bad for a sleepy head.
He noted of Cole's handwriting, it wasn't as bad as some of his students but it's not the most eligible either. His mind wandered off to when he first met Sendoh and remembered when the taller man said English is Cole's favorite subject. Rukawa shook his head and cut off all his thoughts. He recorded Cole's score on a record book and encoded it as well in his laptop. He stared at the clock and decided he would finish a few more papers and call it a day.
6:45 PM
Rukawa opened the door at the back of his driver's seat and placed his laptop and things in there, close the door shut and opened his driver's door. He was about to start the engine when he caught sight of the opened door of the gym. Rukawa didn't know what is it with gyms that seemed to always beckon him to come. He caught sight of a lone figure, dribbling the ball then running to fire a short jumper. The ball bounced off. Rukawa paused a bit, staring at his rival's son as the latter placed himself behind the three-point line and fired a three; the ball went in this time.
Cole's phone rang. He dropped the ball and walked towards the bench to grab his phone. Rukawa stepped back to hid behind the door and went bug-eyed. What the hell are you doing here, anyway. Just go home, you jerk. He inwardly berated himself. Sensing its no use staying to watch, Rukawa shook his head and started walking towards his vehicle. He was about to get in when…
"Rukawa-sensei?"
Great. I need a paper bag on top of my head. Rukawa paused, hands on the door handle and stared at the person who called his name. It was Cole. The student was still clutching on his phone, but is packed and seemed ready to leave as well. Rukawa simply nodded in acknowledgement. Cole smiled. Silence. "Have a safe drive." Cole muttered and waved a hand. He started walking past Rukawa, eyes on the phone when it rang.
"Dad? Yeah…uh… was about to leave…I know… yeah…well…" A pause. "Now? What…But why?" Pause. "I see… yeah… yeah…" Cole trailed off softly, eyes darting at nothing in particular as he clutched his ball on his right hand. He nodded a few before ending the call, staring at it for a while. Cole heaved a sigh and started walking towards the exit gate of the campus.
Rukawa drove slowly, eyes noting of Cole who was walking slowly on the sidewalk, eyes straight-up, lips in a passive semi-smile curve. Rukawa inwardly shook his head and shrugged. Yare yare… not my problem. Deep inside, he wondered what kind of a father Sendoh Akira is. He wanted to assume that he seemed to be doing well but… a part of him doubts if Sendoh actually got everything in control.
And of course, the million-dollar question. Where the heck is Cole's mother anyway? Rukawa dumped a sigh as he handed his faculty parking pass to the guard. The guard nodding at him and Rukawa too, in return. Rukawa slowly turned the wheel to the right, eyes looking at his left and front and soon enough he was on the road. He saw Cole walking towards his direction as well. Why don't you just step on that gas pedal and zoom off?
Cole paused when he saw a bright light to his left. The window to the passenger seat opened. "Heading home?" Rukawa muttered. Cole smiled and nodded. "Er, actually off to the hospital…" Rukawa blinked, quite surprised, but he nodded. "I see." Rukawa stated, gripping the gear shift with his right hand. And he just had to asked it. Rukawa wanted nothing but to sped away but his nosiness got the best of him. "So, where does he work anyway?"
Cole approached Rukawa's sedan which was parked in hazard and leaned down. "Meadow Valley Hospital." Cole paused then grinned. "Have a safe drive, sensei!" Just then the bus on the station arrived. Cole and Rukawa blinked to their surprised. "Bye sensei!" Cole hollered as he jogged towards the bus stop.
"Stop! H-hey! Matte yo!" The student hollered, as he jogged and tried to catch the bus but failed to do so. Cole placed both hands on his knees, panting as he wipes his sweat on his face. The next bus won't be available for the next thirty minutes or so. He shook his head as he dragged his ball inside a net on the ground. Cole, still panting, dials Sendoh's number to inform him when a sedan parked right before him on the bus stop.
"Hop on in. I'm dropping you off."
XXX
Cole sat quietly as they trek the familiar highway to his father's workplace. His eyes quietly roaming inside his teacher's vehicle. Cole took note how organize and clean Rukawa's car is (same like his Dad) and while Rukawa's car may not be the top of the line, its not that bad in the eyes as well. Mid-range and practical. Cole's eyes hovered around the radio and saw the words Waste A Moment flashed on the radio screen which was open but Rukawa seemed to like the music only as a soft background, he can barely hear the song but it seemed like some alternative music. Well, it isn't everyday one gets to drive around with a teacher so Cole decided he'd just keep quiet, lest Rukawa suddenly asked a lecture-related question and he didn't know the answer to it.
Cole found himself smiling at the thought of it, earning him an inquisitive look from Rukawa when they pulled over a stoplight. Rukawa raised a brow at the kid who simply chuckled and scratched his head. "Sorry for troubling you, sensei." Rukawa simply kept his silence and said nothing. Rukawa wanted to asked all the neurons in his brain, why did you do it? In the end, he found himself sticking to his conviction that even if its not Cole Sendoh, maybe he would have done it as well to his other students—they are still his responsibility after all, especially because they're all minors.
A few more minutes and they arrived at the familiar institution lined by three adjacent buildings, a large parking space filled with cars and well-lit floors. Rukawa turned right to a round-about, stopping and moving from time to time as cars lined up to drop off people. Well, it's the hospital after all. The only business probably in the whole world who wouldn't go bankrupt. People get sick, babies are born everyday, people die everyday as well.
Their car moved again and as they were nearing the front door of the main building, Rukawa stepped on the brake. Cole unbuckled himself, a grin plastered on his face. Rukawa was about to say something when he gapes to his surprised. The door to Cole's side was pulled open and voila… in popped Sendoh Akira who was smiling at him and nodding at his son. "Dad!" Cole excitedly hollered. Sendoh ruffled his son's hair and looked at Rukawa who was rather surprise to see the taller guy.
"Wow, you really got yourself a good-looking UBER driver, Cole." Sendoh chuckled. Rukawa wanted nothing but to slam the door shut so that Sendoh's fingers would be caught in-between. Cole looked at Rukawa. "I'm sorry sensei, I told Dad you were dropping me off…" Rukawa simply snorted.
"Hey, Rukawa, why don't you come on over for a minute? Coffee on me." Sendoh smoothly asked, smiling as he did so. "No thanks, I'm good." Rukawa paused. "He was left by the bus so…"
Sendoh rolled his eyes. "Yeah I know, at least let me thank you. C'mon now… please?" Pause. "Pretty please with lemon and cucumber slice on top?" Sendoh grinned and joked like some high school retard. Just then the cars behind him started honking urging him to move on. Rukawa remained steadfast… or so he thinks. "N-no… I gotta leave and…"
"Sensei, please?" Cole asked. The honking continued. Rukawa stared at his rear mirror then to the passenger window, Sendoh still there looking at him with that usual smile on his lips. "C'mon now, I'm not going to admit you in here." Sendoh joked, laughing.
Rukawa scowled and he didn't know… he just didn't know but he found himself getting a parking ticket that night. Slamming the door to his car shut after placing the ticket on his windshield, Rukawa huffed, shook his head and only got his phone, car keys, wallet and stuffed them all inside his pockets.
Rukawa adjusted his polo's sleeves to his elbows as he loosened his tie upon entering the hospital's lounge. His eyes flickered around and saw the information desk at front bombarded by a lot of people. He knew the hospital; Sunnybrook faculty usually has their annual checkups in the said institution but Rukawa haven't really been around the whole premise.
It was a tertiary hospital with 500 plus bed capacity and complete with even their own cancer research center. It was one of the largest in their area and the busiest as well. But it was well-known hospital so it surprises Rukawa that Sendoh is working there. He wondered Sendoh's designation. Well, he hasn't asked him.
"Sensei!"
Rukawa turned to where he thought he was being called and saw Cole waving with Sendoh standing beside him. Rukawa simply sighed and walked towards the two look-alikes. Soon, he was following them as they walk past aisles, turned left, head straight-on then turn right, walked a bit more before standing right in front of an elevator lined with people. Rukawa was awed how big the whole building seemed. He read a sign that says Cardiothoracic Wing and instantly he knew. His eyes discreetly find their way at Sendoh who was standing a few steps in front of him.
Sendoh was wearing a white coat up to his knees, the usual navy-blue scrubs and a pair of black rubber shoes. A stethoscope is seen hanging around his neck and the taller guy has both of his hands pocketed within his white coat. Rukawa swallowed involuntarily… truth is he thought… Sendoh suited the look. Suddenly he wasn't the grinning and joking father of Cole whom he met a few weeks ago. Suddenly, he doesn't seem like the basketball colleague/ captain he once teamed up with in Waseda years ago. Sendoh looked way too professional and…
What the hell? Why are you even thinking of such thing? He's a doctor. Its their normal clothes. Rukawa slightly fidgeted as he cleared his throat softly not noticing the lines moving on as passengers alighted and hop on the elevator.
The elevator door closed and the three of them were left for the next round. "Not a fan of hospitals, huh." Sendoh muttered, a smile on his lips, his blue eyes staring upon his younger colleague. Rukawa shot up his look and shrugged. "It's fine." Sendoh chuckled amusedly as he turned to look at his son Cole who was busying himself playing some games on his phone. Silence.
"You looked different." Rukawa muttered and inwardly he socked himself up on the face for being a chatterbox. Sendoh blinked his eyes, surprised at Rukawa's statement- he smiled though. "Yeah, I know you always had a crush on me." He grinned and chuckled when Rukawa scoffed and shook his head. "You're an idiot, you know." Just then the elevator descended once more and soon enough all three of them hopped in.
XXX
Rukawa roamed his eyes when they arrived at a certain floor. He saw Sendoh nodded, smiled, and grinned with familiar people greeting him and Cole. They walked a few more steps and soon arrived at a dark brown door. Sendoh pushed the door open and Cole followed. Rukawa paused when he saw some names engraved on brass plates on the sides of the door; his eyes befell on one; Sendoh, Akira, MD, MBBS, MBChB- Cardiothoracic Surgeon. Rukawa felt his brows raised a bit.
"Sensei, come on in." Cole invited as he held on the door. Rukawa looked at his student and nodded. He stepped in the room and saw a desk in front—probably for a secretary. His eyes roamed around and saw console tables, some magazines, journals, countless books, a few table décors, plants in pots and another door. The said door opened and Sendoh peeped in. "Hey, come on in." He smiled.
"I'm good here." Rukawa stated. Sendoh rolled his eyes. "Do I need to drag you here, sensei?" He grinned. Rukawa frowned, Sendoh sure knows how to annoy him. Rukawa dumped a sigh of resignation and followed suit. He batted an eye on Cole who sat comfortably on the couch while playing busily on his phone. Seems like the kid has been used to the 'life'.
"So, this is my office. Welcome." Sendoh stated. "A bit different from yours, I presumed." Rukawa walked in the room and nodded. He saw Sendoh's desk, two chairs, a bookcase behind him filled with paperbacks and some decors and stuff. On the left side there seemed to be like an examination table then the windows. Rukawa looked back at Sendoh who seemed to be eyeing him all along. "Nice." Rukawa muttered. Sendoh chuckled and invited him to sit down which Rukawa did so.
"So, had dinner yet?" Sendoh asked straightforwardly. Rukawa looked up, surprised. "I'm fine, don't bother." Sendoh rolled his eyes. "Still hate socializing, huh." A grin. Rukawa simply snorted. "Thanks for dropping Cole by." Rukawa simply nodded. "I still have a meeting tonight. 8 pm so, that is why I'm asking you if you want to eat dinner with us." Sendoh explained.
Rukawa blinked his eyes in surprise. He never knew that Sendoh is that busy. "Tonight, meeting?" Sendoh nodded. "Yeah, just some cases and whatever bullshit the management wants to talk about." Sendoh added with a smirk. Rukawa said nothing. "Coffee?" Sendoh muttered again. Rukawa found himself chuckling softly to Sendoh's surprise. The doctor never gives up. "Fine, I'll have some coffee instead." Rukawa stated rather passively. Sendoh simply grinned and called Cole. His son entered and Sendoh handed him his phone.
"Rukawa sensei wanted the best coffee, you know where to order." He said with a wink. Rukawa gape. "Hey, I didn't say-?!" Sendoh chuckled and waved off his hands. "Don't worry, its not like your coffee would come from the Middle East." Cole simply chuckled, nodded, and soon enough was pressing something on his Dad's phone. "Dad, can I order something else?" Cole asked. Sendoh nodded. "Yeah, order whatever, don't forget us."
Rukawa honestly thought he'd be sleeping early tonight, but seems like Friday seemed to have other plans. A few minutes later, they're both having their nice fix cup of coffee from some known coffee bar—aside from Cole who was slouched on the sofa, eating while still on his phone.
"So what does a cardiothoracic surgeon do?" Rukawa asked while sipping on his cup.
"You really are a teacher, eh?" Sendoh muttered, chuckling. "Should I raise my hands up before answering?"
"Your hair is raised up, so no need." Rukawa pestered back. Sendoh laughed. "Didn't know you were funny, Rukawa." A pause. "Thought you'd always have a world of your own." Sendoh jeered.
Rukawa rolled his eyes. "Its fine if you don't want to answer it. Google knows anyway." Rukawa frowned, annoyed at Sendoh's mischievousness. Sendoh laughed. Rukawa simply smirked a bit.
"Well, people come to me when they're broken-hearted." Sendoh said, obviously lying. "Or they could try Google, since you said he seems to know everything." A grin. Rukawa snorted. Sendoh laughed.
"Ah really, interesting. Thought they'd rather talk to jocks on the radio and asks for advices." Rukawa sarcastically rebutted.
Sendoh grinned. "Don't you have Spotify? Are there still…. DJs?" Sendoh asked, teasing the red-faced Rukawa. "D-doaho."
"Kidding aside… I do surgical treatment of organs inside the thoracic cavity, involves the heart and lungs." Sendoh stated his low and clear voice resonating in the room. "You know, illnesses and stuff."
Rukawa nodded, having his query answered. It seemed that Sendoh is not just some ordinary doctor and maybe that's why he never thought that Sendoh would be such one.
"So, you could come to me if you got someone breaking your heart, I'd fixed it for you." He grinned, munching on a cookie. Rukawa scoffed, rolled his eyes. "For free?" Rukawa added. Sendoh paused for a minute. "Hm. I could give you a discount." Sendoh grinned. "Big discount."
"Cheapskate." Rukawa muttered.
"H-hey, I got bills to pay and a son enrolled in your expensive school." Sendoh laughed.
"You must be making a lot, huh." Rukawa said. Sendoh scoffed and coughed. Rukawa smirked as he sipped on his cup. "I would, if only weren't for the humongous taxes." Sendoh stated with a grin.
Rukawa simply nodded but he knew of course, Cole is studying in a private school and Rukawa knew that their school's tuition fee is also one of the highest in their city. Plus there's Sendoh's nice-looking SUV. Rukawa would have sulk if Sendoh was another person but, since he's not… he cant say he's not quite happy for his colleague who seemed to have gotten it all together in life.
"Its good to see you doing well in life." Rukawa stated in his soft, quiet voice. Silence. Rukawa blinked then looked up at Sendoh who was staring at him rather a bit oddly. Rukawa thought he was a tad bit bothered that Sendoh's gaze upon him almost seemed like as if he was being read like a book.
"What?" Rukawa stated, feeling suddenly a bit bothered and he wondered why. Sendoh pulled his chair and leaned on his table, surprising Rukawa when the air and space between them diminished.
"Nothing is perfect. Life is messy… relationships are complex, outcomes are uncertain and… people are irrational." Sendoh stated, his eyes holding off Rukawa's perplexed ones.
Suddenly, Sendoh grinned. "80/100."
Only then Rukawa noticed Sendoh's two fingers pressing his wrist as his eyes shot open-wide. "H-hey!" Rukawa muttered, instantly lifting his hand.
Sendoh grinned. "Hey chill, I just checked your pulse rate." He chuckled. Rukawa scowled—truth is, he must have been staring right onto Sendoh's face that he didn't quite felt the firm fingers that clasps their way onto his wrist. He felt his ears burned but found himself hoping it wasn't too obvious.
"You're quite tachycardic." Sendoh smiled, his perfect set of white teeth showing, his eyes of cobalt blue crinkling like inverted crescents. Rukawa scoffed. "What's that supposed to mean?" Sendoh smiled and Rukawa wished he never agreed to having that cup of coffee.
"Your heart's beating fast." Sendoh stated as a matter of factly, and smiled. "Caffeine perhaps. Its dark roast." A pause. "Or unless there's another reason… why its beating fast." Sendoh chuckled.
Rukawa simply snorted and grab the bottle of water, downing as much as he can intake, trying to suppress the blood rising from his cheeks instead as Sendoh simply chortled, amused, and honestly quite feeling happy that night. He found his mind wandering to an excerpt he once came across—about the thrill of putting his hands on someone for the first time.
TBC
Note: My colleagues, akiraismylover & RokudaimeLove thinks I'm soo chill to not update fics. Hahaha! I laughed so hard at the thought, I decided to upload ch2. Who knows, I might upload chapter3 and 4 soon. Missing you, Star7! Don't stress yourself too much! :D