Note: Oh wow, I've updated; fueled by your reviews, I guess. I've always like writing (and envisioning) Sen and Ru as 'mature' individuals. But I didn't know what made me write Sendoh as a parent. I mean, I envisioned him as a smart, sexy, and cool Dad—so I decided to write him as one. Anyway, shutting my mouth now.
XXX
Teacher RuRu- Part 3
Saturday, 3:00 PM
Rukawa Kaede woke up to the sound of kids playing outside his apartment complex. He rubbed his eyes opened and hoisted himself up. His hair, disheveled, his eyes red and still sleepy as he got himself to sit on the edge. Rukawa scratched his cheek and checked the time thru his wristwatch. 3 PM. He inwardly cursed and pulled himself up to stand up and exit towards the kitchen.
Rukawa opened the fridge and got his water tumbler, drank like some parched traveler on a dessert, wiping his mouth with the back of his hands. He sat down on the dining area and tried to reminisce a few events from last night. He was at the hospital—in Sendoh's office to be exact, with his son, Cole. The two of them chatted for a while before Sendoh was called in for the meeting. His mind partly wandered off to where Sendoh checked his wrist for his pulse rate.
Dammit. Jerk. Rukawa found himself muttering to himself. Of course, he'd be tac- tachy—tacc—he couldn't remember the word. Kso! Whatever the word was. The coffee he had last night was made for someone who had no intentions of shutting their eyes. In short, Rukawa went home feeling so wide-awaked that he literally felt sleepy at around 5 in the morning! He ended up finishing checking papers, grading assignments, and reading reports of students. And because of this, his plan to wake up early today and practice basketball was put off. Rukawa is willing to bet this is probably all part of Sendoh's tacky plan to win against him tomorrow.
Feeling the steely determination to win tomorrow, Rukawa closed his fist and decided that he still have time to practice anyway. He didn't forget about their tiny 'bet' and Rukawa is bent on winning—not mainly because he wants to, but also because he wanted Sendoh to help his son on their upcoming practice match. Okay, maybe he did want to win after all. And he also wanted to slam his skill onto his rival son's face better than anybody else. Rukawa smirked to himself as the thought of him defeating Sendoh Akira in front of his son will be the icing to the cake.
And so, Rukawa's willpower that day overpowered him. He rushed to the shower room, and soon enough he was wearing his usual jogging pants, some cotton shirt, grabbed his sports sack and headed off outside to the nearest basketball court to practice.
Saturday, 4:00 PM
Rukawa gripped his ball hard when he saw people inside the public basketball court. It seems there's some unofficial match going on. He clutched the fence with five of his fingers, gripping them so hard in annoyance as his plans to practice was once more ditched. Rukawa heaved a sigh and leaned on the fence for awhile, checking his phone for any nearby court he can find. He clacked his tongue when the second nearest one was almost ten miles away. So, it entails the use of his vehicle. Rukawa pushed himself off of the fence and seeing that there's no other way, decided to drive wherever just to have his practice.
Meanwhile…
Sendoh has been practice shooting and dribbling at the comfort of his own backyard for the past hour. He dribbled the ball in between his legs and fired a three—the ball went it. He smiled to himself, feeling happy that he still quite got it. He has never felt so energetic and can't honestly remember when's the last time he had a match. He jogged around the half-court for awhile before imagining an opponent, driving past, spinning around to jump up and make a resounding dunk—ramming the orange leather in the basket. The ball rolled somewhere and Sendoh landed down, wiping his mouth with the hem of his sleeveless gray top.
He heard a clap and his eyes saw his son, Cole, sitting on one wooden chair. Sendoh approached his son, throwing the ball at him to Cole's surprise. "You wanna take me on, player?" He grinned. Cole blinked his eyes, and smiled; the kid nodded and soon enough, father and son can be seen having a mini game of one-on-one.
Thirty minutes passed….
Both Sendoh's sat on the wooden chair, drinking their water as the sun prepares to set in the distant sky. Hues of mixed orange and blue merging up above, creating almost like a whitewash canvass. Cole turned to his father who was busy scrolling on his phone. "Its been awhile since you've played with me, Dad." Sendoh turned and blinked. "Yeah… been busy most of the time. Sorry. You know that, right." Sendoh stated obviously. Cole nodded, and said nothing—he understood. Silence. Sendoh flickered an eye on the young lad. "Hey…"
Cole turned. Sendoh smiled. "What's bothering you, huh?" Cole kept his silence as he played with the orange ball with his hands. "I just want us to win against Aidan next week." Sendoh blinked and listened. "Where's your coach anyway?" Cole sighed. "Sick. Heard he's got gout or something." Sendoh raised his brow and nodded. "I see. Yeah, it can be painful."
"When I saw you and sensei playing in the championships—it was thrilling. Sensei is so good… he's fast and—he can really score. He's amazing…" Cole trailed off, his eyes staring at the orange ball as if he's seeing Rukawa there. Sendoh kept his silence as he stared at his teenager son. He knew what he's feeling and Cole happened to enjoy the one sport he, too, found exhilarating years ago. Sendoh tugged his lips upwards when his mind wandered off the yesteryears of college. Basketball especially. He and Rukawa. It was, indeed, amazing years—of sport and camaraderie alike.
"Yeah, he's an amazing forward." Sendoh stated. Cole looked at his father. Silence.
"He… caught me sleeping in class." Coles stated, almost hesitantly but didn't want to keep it to himself anyway. Sendoh blinked, surprised, almost wanting to chuckle but didn't. "Oh? And…" Sendoh prodded. Cole snorted softly, tugging his lips upward. "Nothing, Dad. He just told me not to do it again and to focus on my studies." Sendoh snorted—but he smiled. He chuckled softly as his son stared at him. "Did you know that he's the most sleepy-head person I've ever met?" Cole blinked in surprised. Sendoh grinned. "He can sleep whenever and wherever in five minutes back in college."
"Hontou ni?" Cole asked, wondering. Sendoh grinned and nodded. "Don't tell him I told you." Cole nodded as he smiled.
A soft breeze blee by sending leaves of trees swaying slowly. "Why did you ask him for a match, anyway?" Cole asked. Sendoh smiled and said nothing. But he did wonder. Why indeed. Its more than just having the exhilarating feeling of getting to play against a formidable player. Maybe its Rukawa's familiarity. Maybe its his tenacity on court. Sendoh wondered what to say—in the end… maybe he just missed playing… or maybe something else. Cole simply snorted softly hearing no response. Stillness.
"I've seen sensei in the Waseda matches, but I'm excited to see him play in person… is he really—good?" Cole asked, his eyes showing excitement.
Sendoh chuckled softly, placed his phone down and put one leg up on another chair in front of him. "Yeah, but I'm better than him." He grinned.
Cole pfft. "You're bragging too much, Dad." Sendoh laughed. "You'll see, tomorrow." He winked at his son and Cole simply smiled. "What if Rukawa-sensei won?" Cole asked. Sendoh shrugged. "He wont." Cole laughed as the two Sendoh's munched in their small snack and talked about other random things.
"Sensei told me that…basketball and learning—they're never done without errors and defeat." He paused. "And that I should be thinking more of my future before anything else…" Cole trailed off, smiling. Sendoh simply listened as his son stated what Rukawa told him. And in that late afternoon, he remembered how important it is to surround oneself with people who makes you a better person.
"I'm glad he's your teacher, Cole." Sendoh stated. Cole looked at his father who simply smiled back at him in return. "I'm glad he's your friend, Dad." Sendoh blinked and gape a bit, wanting to say something but decided not to. He leaned back on the chair as he reminisced some of his cherished memories.
XXX
Sunday, 1-on-1 day, 10:00 AM
Rukawa pulled over his red sedan and turned off the engine. He got out and heaved a sigh. Pulling his sports bag behind him, he walked towards to where they said they would play the game. Rukawa reminded himself to probably thank Sendoh because the guy was the one who suggested that they have the match in the school's gym; good thing he was able to secure a permit a few days before today. Rukawa walked and noticed Sendoh's white SUV parked already there. He raised a brow and snorted. And I was expecting him to be late. Pft.
Rukawa lazily walked towards the entrance of the gym, almost dragging his feet but his mind focused on the game and on defeating his long-time rival on court. He almost dropped his bag in surprised when he saw Sendoh, Cole and…
"Sensei!"
"Ohayou!"
"Rukawa-sensei!"
WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL?! Rukawa stopped dead on his tracks as he saw the father and son and… are those his advisory students?! Sendoh stood there, grinning his seemingly toothpaste commercial smile, with Cole sitting amongst the bench a nervous smile and wave on the kid. The rest are… the rest are just….
Rukawa walked inside, brows furrowed as he felt all his nerves popped one by one with each step, he takes on the linoleum floor.
Sendoh acted innocent as he simply dribbled the ball and spin it on his index finger. When Rukawa was a few steps away from Sendoh, he batted an eye to Cole then to the students who were wearing casual clothes, some even brought small tassels. Rukawa felt his fist closed. He glared at Sendoh who stared at him nonchalantly.
"What the… is this?" Rukawa seethed. He wanted to insert the 'f' word but restrained himself from doing so. Sendoh grinned and clutched the ball on his left arm. "Relax, they're fans." He winked. Rukawa frowned. "What—do you—what-fans?!" He frothed, wanting to throw a tantrum like a three-year old. He turned to his students, stepped in front of them and instantly they all went quiet to Sendoh's surprise. Oh wow, he really is scary. He inwardly chuckled to himself.
"What are you all doing here? Who told you to be here?" No one's talking. "Well? It's a Sunday, and you all should be at home." A pause. "Sleeping." Rukawa added, his authoritarian nature checking in. The students chuckled. Rukawa glared at them. Sendoh, too, chortled a bit.
"Uh, a-anou… Sensei…" Cole slowly raised his hand, a nervous smile on his lips as he showed him a brown rectangular paper. Rukawa frowned. "Is this your doing?" Rukawa instantly turning on to Sendoh's son, not minding if Sendoh Akira is in, fact, there- he couldn't care; he could land a fist fight with Cole's father and he didn't mind.
"Sensei! Oh, there you are, Rukawa-sensei!" The familiar laugh of a woman made Rukawa's eyes widened even more as he came face-to-face with their head teacher, standing a tad bit short and chubby, its the middle-aged woman with few gray hairs. The students all stood up and bowed. "Ohayou!" The head teacher chuckled and bowed back, urging the students to sit down. Rukawa was aghast. "P-Principal…sensei, what are you doing here?" Rukawa cant help but to asked as he saw the woman in pants and white polo shirt as she approached them.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you—Dr. Sendoh is my husband's cardiothoracic surgeon when he was bypassed two years ago. So I was surprised that you were friends with him." She laughed. Rukawa gape. "I… well, we aren't exactly…" Rukawa tried to reason, confusion flooding over him.
"Well, Dr. Sendoh and I have been discussing the importance of having a sound body and mind and since his son is one of our students here in Sunybrook, I actually encouraged him to have a small talk with our students."
"Small talk?! When did you and him had…"
"Oh, last PTA, hahaha! I forgot to mention to you but Dr. Sendoh said he's not used to having a large crowd and so he wanted to try having a talk first with a small crowd and since his son is in your advisory class- he chose your class. And, he messaged me that you and him are going to demonstrate how cardio-related sports could be of help in maintaining a sound body and mind. Isn't that wonderful?" She grinned and chuckled as she patted and squeezed Rukawa's arm.
"Sound body…and mind…" Rukawa absentmindedly stated. Demonstrate?! I am not here to demonstrate; I am here to play and win! Dammit!
Sendoh cleared his throat and approached the two. "Uh, anou… sensei, is everything alright?" He asked, batting an eye to the gushing principal then to Rukawa who's got his eyes beneath his dark fringes.
The principal nodded. "Why, of course-of course, you may start now. Ohoho! I will be sitting with the students." She was about to turn when she tapped Rukawa one last time on the arm. "Don't worry, I prepared a letter of permission from their parents and that is what the brown paper is for, so, you don't need to sweat about it." She winked and tip toed to sit on the benches.
Sendoh sweatdropped and smiled at the crowd of 26 as he gulped and looked at the unmoving Rukawa. He cleared his throat and. "Well… I would have to talk for a bit then maybe we can both demonstrate-?!"
"Demonstrate?!" Rukawa hollered. Sendoh almost back a few steps, scared. The students gulped and swallowed. Principal was surprised too. "Uh, Rukawa-sensei?" Rukawa's eyes widened as he shot a look to the older lady, he bowed a little and apologized. He glared at Sendoh as he walked towards the bench, sat and dumped a sigh, crossing his arms together, his eyes sending death glares to the spiky-haired person in front.
Sendoh nervously chuckled, scratched his nape and cleared his throat as a white board was prepared him. He was very well aware of an evil presence amongst the crowd and he started off his mini-introduction trying to avoid eye contact with one raven-haired person.
"Uh… hi everyone." He smiled. The students giggled and smiled. Cole chuckled and rolled his eyes, putting one palm under his chin. "I'm Cole's father." They all laughed. "Yeah, we know!" One student hollered, and they all laughed, including Sendoh himself.
"Your dad is handsome." A girl whispered at Cole who silently took pictures of Sendoh. Cole simply laughed and waved it off.
"So… well, I'm here to talk about why basketball is the best sport for kids and Dads to play." He grinned and began his small talk about the sport, health, and important matters.
After ten minutes…
"A full court game of basketball burns about 747 calories per hours and half-court game burns 558 calories. Why is the game effective? Its designed that way…" Sendoh stated, nodding and looking at the awed and listening faces of the students.
He sighed and placed a hand on his hips. "Well, I guess, we could start showing you all the basics?" He finally said as he batted an eye to a frowning and obviously mad Rukawa who was sitting there, uninterested and not impressed. Sendoh chuckled nervously. "Actually, you guys… class 10-4 is lucky because your adviser here is a great player."
Rukawa dreaded the attention as several heads 'oohhd' and 'ahhhd', their eyes showing excitement as they all chatted to themselves and urged for him to stand up and play against Sendoh. Rukawa clacked his tongue softly and pretended not to hear Sendoh's words.
Sendoh, you jerk! Go back to where you fucking came from, you bastard! He inwardly tirades. Rukawa was more than surprised though when the principal playfully tapped him on the arm. She laughed, abashedly placing a hand on her lips; Rukawa rolled his eyes discreetly and wanted to elbow the principal—if only!
"Rukawa-sensei…"
Rukawa batted an eye to Sendoh who was smiling while spinning the orange ball in between his hands. "Would you please help me demonstrate how basketball is an all-around sport that focuses on strength, cardio, and other health-related… improvements?" A grin. Sendoh fucking Akira just grinned and trailed off like some player who's promoting a tornado mop and its bucket.
No! Demonstrate your ass. Play by yourself, you smiling-father-of-Cole-jerk. As usual, all eyes were on him and Rukawa wanted the ground to eat him whole. But, does Rukawa have a choice? Sendoh continued grinning, although deep inside, he knew—he's probably dead already and is up in heaven. Rukawa heavily hoisted himself up and instantly his class cheered him.
"L-O-V-E-?!"
Rukawa's eyes widened as he glared to his left, instantly the students stopped and sat properly. Their smiling lips pursed into passive ones. Sendoh swallowed involuntarily as he felt two pairs of cerulean orbs clawing right onto his well-chiseled face. When he was standing a tad bit close to Sendoh, the taller smiled.
"Thought it'd be nostalgic for you to hear the undying mantra of your, ehem, teenager years, sensei?" He grinned. Rukawa reminded himself to kill Sendoh after this.
XXX
"So, this is a chest pass—see?" Sendoh stated, passing the ball to Rukawa, as he taught first some of the basics, especially to the students who do not play. Cole watched amusedly as his father tried to 'teach' the basics to his classmates. Then he eyed Rukawa who was standing in front of his father as he catches the passes, the dribbles, the bounce, etc with an exasperated look in his eyes. Cole chuckled softly to himself, seeing their adviser not quietly enjoying the small tutorial.
"Some personal fouls are hitting, pushing, slapping… and holding." Sendoh stated to the nods of several heads. "Holding?" One student raised her hand. Sendoh nodded. "Yeah… holding…" He trailed off and flickered an eye on Rukawa who instantly frowned to the depths of the ground. "No." He mouthed.
Sendoh rolled his eyes—then grinned. "Rukawa-sensei, could you show us holding, please?" Rukawa boiled as enthusiastic faces of his students lit up. Cole blinked in surprise as he tugged his lips upward. The principal chuckled to herself as she nodded. Rukawa rolled his eyes. "Its as simple as it sounds—you hold the opponent to stop them, its illegal. It's a foul." He stated with a shrugged.
"Show us!"
"Sensei, please!"
"How do you hold an opponent?"
"With your hands." Rukawa exasperatedly stated. The students laughed at the sarcasm of their adviser.
Rukawa's nerves began popping one by one as he glared daggers to Sendoh who simply blinked back at him. What the hell?! What the HELL?! Rukawa can honestly feel his chest racing—its weird. The task is simple really, its not like he didn't know what holding means; its not like he hasn't committed the foul before.
Sendoh dribbled the ball. "I'll run pass you then you show them." The taller stated and Sendoh run. Rukawa blinked and just stood there. Unflinching. The students sweatdropped—didn't understood what just happened.
Sendoh blinked and tried running again passed Rukawa—Rukawa stretched a hand barely clutching at Sendoh's shirt. The students blinked in confusion.
Rukawa popped a nerve. "I held on his shirt. I tried to stopped him. It's a foul." Rukawa stated drearily. The students groaned. "Sensei, you just pulled on the tail of his shirt." The students laughed. Rukawa felt his ears warmed, embarrassed.
Sendoh chuckled and passed the ball to Rukawa's surprised. "You run; I'll show them." He stated, smiling that seemingly toothpaste commercial smile of him, Rukawa had to avert his gaze somewhere. "Hn."
"Okay, look carefully." Sendoh stated. Rukawa snorted, shook his head as he dribbled the ball- glaring an eye at Sendoh. He wanted to show Sendoh the middle finger but of course, they weren't alone. Rukawa dumped a sigh and run- dribbling.
He run past Sendoh, getting ready to lay-up the ball; and instantly Sendoh run after him and Rukawa's eyes widened when Sendoh literally wound his arms around him to prevent him from placing the ball onto the basket. Instantly Rukawa was stopped and he batted a glared to the person who's got his arm across his upper torso.
"And this… is… holding." Sendoh stated, smiling. The students nodded. "Ahhh."
"Its like hugging." One student stated. The others laughed.
"It sounds the same so… its called, hoggling" One added. They all laughed again.
"Wow Cole, your dad sure knows how to hold an opponent!" Laughter.
"Y-yeah, I guess?" Cole blinked and chuckled as well.
"Feel free to hold me like that, Cole!" One female student hooted playfully—they all cheered and laughed. Cole felt his face burned as he simply chuckled and shook his head.
Rukawa can actually feel the blood creeping to his cheeks as he partially elbowed Sendoh. "Ooff." Sendoh muttered. "You can stop holding now, father of Cole." Rukawa muttered.
Sendoh blinked then chuckled as he backed away, arms and hands raised as if surrendering. "S-sorry, teach." Rukawa rolled his eyes and wipe his mouth with the back of his hand. But he wondered—why his blood pumping organ seemed to pound right onto his ears.
XXX
A few minutes more and the much-awaited one-on-one between them ensued. The students clapped and cheered as they both hooted for their teacher and their classmate's father. Fifteen minutes into the game and Cole was the one 'scoring'. His father leads by two points. He was happy—and proud. But is also torn because he also wanted to cheer for his teacher.
Rukawa is placing all of his annoyance with each dribble; it was his ball and while this isn't really the scene he was expecting (with Sendoh's son, principal, and his students), he couldn't care less and he only had one goal in mind—defeat Sendoh Akira in front of everyone and regain his high-held stare. Rukawa dribbled and pushed forwards, he escaped Sendoh's defense to the thrill of his class; he fired an easy jumper, the ball went in and it's a tie. Cheers, obviously were mostly for him courtesy of his class. Sendoh smiled.
"Not bad, teacher." He grinned. Rukawa frowned. "Whatever, doc." Sendoh chuckled as he got the ball and dribbled- huffing. Rukawa raised a brow. "Tired, already?" Sendoh looked at him with one brow raised as he lifted an index finger. "The last time I checked, the word belonged in your dictionary?" He smirked. Rukawa snorted and rolled his eyes, Sendoh obviously referring to his stamina.
Sendoh dribbled the ball, one hand clutching on his shorts as he prepares to attack. His eyes batted at Cole who was looking at him, and with one swift motion, he dashed, evading Rukawa's defense, spinning around and switching his right hand to his left to dribble as he jumped (evading Rukawa's defense) to placed the ball single-handedly on the rim.
The kids were astounded as they 'oohhd' and 'ahhd' and clapped and hooted. Cole blinked his eyes in surprise, feeling proud and excited as he saw his Dad's favorite move on court. Sendoh, ahead again by two points. The class cheered and playfully patted Cole.
"Your Dad's awesome!"
"Great move!"
"I bet you cant do that, Cole!"
"Gotta learn from Doc, I guess!"
Rukawa snorted and shrugged—like he's seen this move a hundred times, but kids will be kids as he simply ignored the hubbub and focused on his offense. Still a show off. Always a show off. Never changed. Jerk. Rukawa dribbled lowly, eyes glaring at Sendoh, his mind thinking on how to outsmart the latter.
"I had a great time talking in front of your class, you know." Sendoh suddenly muttered. Rukawa's brow furrowed as he stared at the guy in front of him. Now what? Distracting me, eh?
Rukawa snorted. "Hn. Glad to hear it." Sendoh chuckled. "Seriously? After this, you're probably going to be their favorite teacher." A grin.
"In case you didn't know, I am everyone's favorite teacher." Rukawa stated confidently, raising a brow.
Sendoh laughed but he kept his defense. "Yeah, I guess you're my favorite too." Rukawa's eyes widened—feeling the creeping of something on his cheeks. He frowned.
Sendoh simply chuckled. "What? We can play favorites; I can be your favorite surgeon." He grinned. And
Rukawa wanted no more but to bash the ball onto Sendoh's perfect face. "What are you, a teenager? You're old, in case you forgot."
"Ah really, cos I'm just a year older than you? That makes you… old, too?" Sendoh rebutted, smirking.
What the hell is wrong with this idiot? What is he saying? What type of person plays favorite on a surgeon, anyway?! Rukawa inwardly hollered, feeling baffled and slightly annoyed at Sendoh's mischief.
"You are such a talker." He muttered. Sendoh grinned. "Says someone whose job is to… talk." He chuckled when he saw Rukawa went exasperated. Sendoh simply grinned. Rukawa scoffed. He dribbled once, twice, then attacked but Sendoh's defense is still formidable after all these years.
Rukawa tried dribbling the ball in between his legs and fired a long-range three, to Sendoh's surprise. The students held on to their seat as they all watched the ball sailed—and into the basket. Rukawa smirked. Eat that! They all cheered.
"Yatta!"
"Sensei!"
"Rukawa-sensei, you're the best!"
"English is my favorite subject now!"
"L-O-V-E, Rukawa-sensei!"
A few minutes more and the game ended. Rukawa drank from his tumbler then placed it down as each student fall in line and showed him their permission letter signed by their parents. After checking, he reminded each of them to go home. Some were fetched by their parents, guardians, and even drivers. Some took UBER and some took the train/subway. Rukawa turned to look at the principal having a chat yet again at Sendoh who was wiping his face with a towel as he smiled and nodded at the vivacious head teacher.
Rukawa snorted softly as he began packing his things inside his bag. Just then, the head teacher passed by him and he stood up. "Rukawa-sensei, you never told me you were good in basketball, ohohoho!" She almost gushed. Rukawa smiled a bit and shrugged. In case you forgot, I was applying here as a PE teacher, madam.
"Well, I really enjoyed this day, you and Dr. Sendoh had that chemistry, ohohoho! It was fun seeing you play against each other." She laughed and Rukawa had to asked. "E-excuse me, w-what chemistry?" The lady continued laughing as she patted Rukawa's well-toned arm and waved her farewell.
"I'll see you tomorrow, sensei! Bye, doctor! Don't forget your promise!" She chortled as she sashayed her way out of the gym, with her arm clutching on a seemingly luxury purse. Sendoh simply grinned, waved, and nodded at the exiting principal. Rukawa simply rolled her eyes when the woman was finally out. Yare yare. He mused to himself.
"Really, Dad?! But, aren't you busy? Are you sure?" Cole asked.
"Yeah, sure. No problem." Sendoh uttered while packing his things.
"We're all available after 5pm, Dad…" Cole trailed off softly, worrying if his Dad had the time to 'coach' and train them. Sendoh looked up and smiled, ruffling his son's hair. Cole tried to bat the hand away but failed to do so. "Its fine, would 6pm be, okay?" Sendoh queried. Cole nodded. Sendoh smiled. "Good—two hours, starting tomorrow until Friday then… lets do one full time on Saturday." He grinned. "I'm sure you boys can play so, it'd be easy." Cole smiled; he was rather worried because he knew his Dad would just try to squeeze them in his busy schedule.
He never knew about his Dad agreeing to that bet with his sensei—and since his Dad lost to Rukawa awhile ago by a mere point, he would have to 'train' them for a week for their upcoming match next week against Aidan. Cole wondered—what if his Dad won. What condition did his Dad made upon his teacher? He never got to asked him, and for some reason, he never wanted to asked him right now.
Rukawa was silently listening to the two who weren't afar from him as he continued to pack his things and file the permission letters. Truth is, he surprised himself when he won awhile ago. He honestly thought that—did Sendoh held back? But he knew he won, fair and square—but a part of him is trying to convince him so. Though its just a one point—its still a win. But why is he feeling a tad bit… guilty or some sort? What the hell, I won! I should be grinning and smirking and goading. Who's the jerk now. Rukawa furrowed his brows as his thoughts paraded in his head.
And he didn't know—all he knew was that after he won, Sendoh tapped his hand, playfully waved to his students, and… never talked to him after. That's it. Not even an insult, a playful snide remark, or a 'nice game teacher Ru'. Nay. None.
Rukawa wondered if Sendoh is sulking over a one-point loss. Jerk, you're too old to sulk at something so trivial. Get over with. You're what, 36 years old now, for Pete's sake. Rukawa dumped a sigh as he saw Sendoh and his son walked past him. Cole flickered an eye on him—nodded and curtly smiled. "See you tomorrow, sensei!" And Sendoh? None. Nay. As if he wasn't there. Rukawa continued looking at the two exiting figures—completely bewildered.
What the heck? Rukawa snorted, stood up and grabbed his bag forcefully, brows furrowing as he, too, exited the gym. He tossed his bag inside his car and was pretending to be looking at the car's rear compartment, his eyes staring at Sendoh who was standing at his car's door, texting something on his phone. The windows were down and Cole was simply sitting inside, staring at nothing in particular. Rukawa was about to approach the older guy when to his surprised—Sendoh opened the driver's door, got in and started the engine—soon enough the SUV was backing up, and exiting the premises.
What the…. Rukawa was left blinking right on the spot. And with sheer disappointment, he closed the rear with a loud thud, walked around, got inside his vehicle and left as well. I don't get. I just don't fucking… get it.
XXX
Sunday, 6:00 PM
Rukawa absentmindedly sauteed the onions, garlic, and a can of corned beef he opened as he keeps himself accompanied by some random music. His mind, blank. Almost done, he lifted up the cover of one small casserole and helped himself for some steamed broccoli as he placed one cup of rice, his corned beef and vegetable on his small dining table, sat down and started eating his dinner.
People tend to be afraid to eat by themselves. Not him though. Rukawa had be eating all alone since years ago. He knows what he brings to the table, and so he isn't really bothered. Not at least until a few days ago. But back then, in those days, weeks, months, or even years… he was so alone that dinner alone is one of life's pleasures. Well, maybe its just a tad bit different lately. Because, his mind wouldn't empty itself. And for an adult such as himself, eating alone with unwanted thoughts is like admitting some kind of defeat.
Rukawa frowned while chewing on his food. He forked a broccoli and instantly his mind came into life—doing what it does best; internal monologue:
Its not my fault I won. I mean, I'm obviously… good.
Yeah, but its just a point. It doesn't prove you're stronger.
Hey, I won! Fair and square. Just proved that I'm the better player!
But he could have just held back… or maybe he let you, so that you wont be embarrassed in front of your students. Ch!
Nooo! I won! I floored him! And I don't really mind the students!
Ohoho! Still, trying to convince yourself, eh? Sendoh's just that nice.
Who told you he's nice?! He is not-?!
Well? He's been nice to you since college…
And so-?! What does it have to do with basketball?!
He's just holding back…
Holding back what?!
Rukawa chewed drastically as his thoughts became more and more annoying and unmanageable. With a few scoops of rice into his mouth, he killed all his musings away. K'so. What an old-farted jerk. Just so you lost, doesn't give you the right to ignore your opponent. Not especially, if that opponent is your son's class adviser.
A few minutes more and Rukawa hit the couch to watch some random movies on Netflix, switching movies every fifteen minutes or so. He looked at the clock and saw it to be 9:00 pm, and while its still early for him, Rukawa decided to call it a night. Yare yare… tomorrow is another start of the week.
XXX
Monday, Sunnybrook, 8:30 am, Class 10-4
Either the time is just slow-moving or Rukawa can actually feel the ticking of every minute of the clock. For some reason, he wanted that day to rushed him by, like some other days. He kept looking at his clock but he is still on his second period of English class in his own class.
"Okay, lets try calling in some few students to recite a part of their assignments." He muttered. Some students groaned. Rukawa looked up and eyed his class. "Any… volunteers?" He asked. His star student raised her hand. Rukawa nodded. "Yes, Naomi-kun?" The class cheered because he remembered. Rukawa rolled his eyes. Naomi grinned. She stood in front and recited her chosen topic assignment.
"My chosen topic is Teacher's Day." She grinned. Some of her classmates rolled their eyes, some nodded, smiled, and some cheered. Naomi cleared her throat and started reading.
"A teacher is someone who acts as a guide, and inspiration to people—both young and old. He is charged with the responsibility of creating awareness as well as opening the minds of people. They are often recognized during teacher's day. And as such, yesterday, I was inspired by my teacher. Now, I wanted to try out sports even though I know that I might not be good at it. Thanks to my dear adviser, Rukawa-sensei, who has inspired me, not just because he looks so damn and ultra-mega handsome…"
The students laughed and giggled as Naoimi chewed on her smile. Rukawa snorted softly as he shook his head in reaction, a hand on his lips as he sat on one corner, legs crossed while listening to his student. He urged her to continue.
"… but because I knew that sports will teach me character by learning how to play by its rules. I know it will teach me to know how it feels like to win and lose it—just like how it will teach me about life." She paused. Rukawa blinked, surprised at his student's words but he was glad to hear the words. A few minutes more and Naomi finished, she bowed and her classmates clapped.
Rukawa straightened up on his seat and commended his student. "Thank you, Naomi-chan." The students laughed and cheered. Rukawa smiled briefly.
"First-time you called us with a -chan, sensei." Naomi stated. The class chuckled. They were right—he is always formal in front of them and can be a tad bit strict but cool too, most of the times.
"But next time, drop the word damn and ultra-mega on your essay, if you're going to say I'm handsome, just say, Rukawa-sensei is handsome." Rukawa smirked a bit. The whole class laughed.
Naomi flushed. "But it's an example of a superlative adjective." The class laughed again.
Rukawa scoffed and rolled his eyes, smiling a bit. "And that is why, I'm telling you, that is damn ultra-mega wrong especially in a formal essay." The class laughed so hard as they cheered and hooted playfully.
"Sorry, sensei." Naoimi added, grinning, flashing her peace sign.
"Anyway, good job… so any other volunteers?" Rukawa asked. A hand slowly raised and Rukawa blinked—surprised but he found himself nodding. Cole smiled and nodded briefly before walking upfront while holding his paper. The students seemed to have a new-found interest as they all paid attention while some chatted to themselves.
Cole stood taller than the rest in front, his white polo shirt buttoned neatly with the school's patched logo grazed on top of a left-side pocket, tucked in his gray-coloured pants, his navy-blue tie and his usual slicked-quiff styled hair, his well-chiseled jaw, high-bridged nose, and his deep and kind-looking grayish-blue eyes, it is no question why he is hard to missed.
Cole momentarily looked to his right—at Rukawa who was sitting behind his personal desk. Rukawa simply stared at the son of his rival whom he just played with yesterday and for some reason, he found himself wondering what Cole prepared as his assignment.
"Go on now, Cole-kun." Rukawa muttered lowly. "Not Cole-chan, sensei?" Cole grinned playfully. The class laughed. Rukawa snorted, but he smiled a bit. Like father, like son, yare yare. He inwardly mused. Cole cleared his throat and held on his paper in front, biting his lower lip, thinking a bit before deciding to read his piece.
"My chosen topic is…" He paused. "…about my first love." He smiled. The class chuckled. Girls giggled, some groaned and gasped. Rukawa blinked but kept his calm demeanor on. First… love? He inwardly mused. He snorted, knowing as well that 14-year olds can be quite 'aggressive' in terms of their emotions.
"This person can be merely an ordinary person to many and maybe to the world but to me… he is my hero, my everything."
The class giggled and started murmuring, wondering who could it be. Some stared at Rukawa who was simply sitting, passive-looking, no emotions or anything on his face. Cole cleared hid throat and continued.
"He is the one special person for me in millions who has been there with me all along. He is the one who puts in every ounce of his energy in making me happy. It's his disposal at which I had experienced all the periods of positive transitions in my life. Every day I get up in the morning I look at him and think of being a man like him. I don't know but there's something so special about him that makes me fall in love with his way of life." He paused and grinned. The class laughed a bit.
"Is it Rukawa-sensei?" One asked. The students laughed and hooted. Cole burned red in front, placing the paper on top of his face. Rukawa gasped, surprised as he simply half-glared to the student who said that and scoffed a bit. "Or, it could be you." He muttered back instead. They all laughed, even Cole. Rukawa twitched his lips a bit and shook his head. The student flashed a V-sign.
"Go on." Rukawa muttered, unminding the mild hubbub. Cole nodded. "He has that unfathomable energy and the unconditional love in his heart that compels me to keep following him in the hope of learning a new thing every time. The patience and perseverance he has to make everything possible in my life is quite a thing that makes him a superhero in my eyes. It's sometimes perplexing to understand from where he draws such energy to make me look at the positive aspect of every situation he may be in. And though he raised me all by himself, my father is my first love. I love you, Dad."
Cole swallowed involuntarily, feeling just a tad bit embarrassed but was relieved of off it when his classmates clapped and hooted at him. Rukawa gape a bit—surprised as the last sentence gripped at him.
And though he raised me all by himself, my father is my first love. I love you, Dad. Rukawa seemed to be in deep thought, his mind suddenly being bombarded with questions and bewilderment.
Sendoh never once showed a side of him in difficult times. And while it is regarded as a trait of a strong individual, even the strongest persons need to break down once in awhile. He swallowed involuntarily as he stared on the floor, his mind flooded with queries and seemingly realisations that while most people easily whine about their complaints and inhibitions in life, there are those who break into a thousand pieces… that just learnt not to make any noise.
"Sensei… Rukawa-sensei…" Cole muttered softly. Rukawa seemed to have gotten out of his mild reverie as he looked up, his class now chatting loudly to themselves. Cole handed him his paper and Rukawa accepted it. Cole went back to his seat, tapped a few hands from the other students as he looked on. Rukawa cleared his throat and the students stopped what they're doing. He eyed Cole who was seated at the back, the boy looking back at him as well.
"Thank you for sharing your assignment." He paused, seemingly thinking of what to say. "It was written well. And, I'm sure the person you're referring to in this paper would love to… know what you've written." Cole felt his ears burned and shook his head, instantly docking his head below as his classmates chuckled.
"Tell your Dad to teach us basketball, Cole!"
"Hey, Rukawa-sensei can teach us, too!"
"Can my mother get free check-ups?" The class laughed. Cole simply grinned and said nothing.
Rukawa then stood up, pulled on his polo shirt by the waist with one hand as he leaned back on his table. He stared at his attentive class of twenty-five.
"Sometimes, loneliness can make you develop into a strong person." He stated. The class was quiet, all seemed to stare and listen at him with each word. Cole, too. "I've never met a strong person with an easy past." Rukawa added. Some students nodded. "I guess, what I'm trying to say is… remember to be kind, because everyone is fighting their own battles." Rukawa stated, his eyes finding their way onto Coles.
Cole found himself tugging his lips upward as his eyes met Rukawa's. Deep inside, he felt that surge of gratefulness and bliss because sometimes, blood doesn't always make a family, love does.
"Good work, Sendoh-chan." The class laughed, so as Cole, surprised as he blinks and chuckled in embarrassment. Rukawa simply snorted and smirked a bit before turning his back and after three more students, the bell finally rang.
XXX
Monday, Sunnybrook, 5:00 pm, Faculty room
As usual, the final checking and paper works were scattered atop Rukawa's desk as he finishes some of the other class's assignments. He dumped a sigh as he felt his head throbbed a bit—been reading and correcting grammars and spelling since two hours ago.
"Hey, hey, hey… heard you won from some basketball match yesterday?" Ayako whistled as she, too, busied herself with her own papers. Rukawa stared at her, and instantly he knew it was the principal. "You know what, maybe Takato-san should resign already and make you the PE teacher." Rukawa snorted and rolled his eyes. "And who'll handle English?" Ayako laughed. "You, still." Rukawa snorted. "Hell, no." Ayako laughed as she playfully patted Rukawa while the latter marks a paper.
"And I cant freaking believed you're friends with Cole's father, oh my gosh, that man is soo handsome!" Ayako gushed.
Rukawa looked at his colleague, rather surprisingly. "You knew him?"
Ayako nodded. "Just as Cole's father, hey, I handled Cole since he was in 7th grade—this is the only year he's not in my class." She paused. "I've met his dad for quite a few times. But never the mother. He's a single dad." Ayako filled him with the details.
"I'd probably flirt with him if only I'm not married, hahahha!" Ayako shamelessly exclaimed. Rukawa snorted but he smirked.
"I actually thought that you're quite hot too the first-time I saw you but when I looked at you closely- naaahhh, you're not hot." She grinned playfully.
Rukawa scoffed and frowned. "What now, Ayako-sensei?" Rukawa muttered. Ayako laughed. "Gods you're beautiful, hahahah! You have that seemingly feminine face that I just backed off, you know. Like, I'll be putting my make-up on, and I'd still look and feel ugly, hahahah!" She laughed so hard, everyone stared at them.
Rukawa exasperatedly snorted and shook his head. "Doaho."
They both chuckled. "But Cole's Dad… hot! Hot as a newly oven-cooked pizza! Single dad, doctor, successful, yummy-tummy!" Ayako chuckled. Rukawa stared and listened as if it was the first-time hearing all of this—and indeed it was. The thing is, he listened as if yesterday was the first time, he met Sendoh Akira in all his life, which was not.
"Thought you're friends-classmates?! Oh my God, what is he like? Does he have a number of girlfriends? I bet he's popular—but hey, I think you're popular too! Did he marry early?!" Ayako bombarded him with questions.
Rukawa simply tried to waived her off. "Aww c'mon now, Rukawa-sensei. Share me some juicy details." She chuckled. Rukawa snorted, still checking papers. "We're not classmates—we're teammates and I don't know about much about his personal… agendas." Rukawa stated firmly.
Truth is, Sendoh did have a few girls from before. But he never knew about Cole's mother. Maybe its after he graduates, or maybe it could be just someone he met out of school. He never knew. Sendoh never told him, he never asked. But he always heard that Sendoh would be jumping in from relationships as if he's executing a jump shot from a championship round. Rukawa scoffed, pausing a bit as he taps his pen onto a paper.
Yeah, its been a decade indeed. He inwardly mused. People change. Rukawa finished some of his paper works and decided to call it a day. He filed all papers and folders on one side and quietly exited the faculty room.
Sunnybrook, 7:00 PM
Rukawa walked towards the parking lot, his laptop bag wound around his body as he browses on his phone. He glanced at his wristwatch and knew it was a tad bit late, he's just hoping that the freeway wouldn't be much of traffic since it's a Monday. Rukawa opened the door to his red sedan and stopped when he saw a group of boys sitting on a bench near the gym. He recognized them from a far since they're all wearing PE uniforms and two of which is clutching a ball on their hands. Of course, he recognizes the one student even though he's got his back on him. Cole? But why are they… what time is it anyway?
Rukawa paused for a second, blinked then… whatever, its getting late, I gotta head home. He opened the door to his car, got in and put on his seatbelt. He started the engine, adjusted the rear-view mirror and scoffed when he saw one student looking at the back of his car from his mirror. Rukawa dumped a sigh and gripped on his gear. Kso, dammit! Dammit! Just—I hated this.
"What now, Cole?"
"I need to be home by 8:00 pm."
"Yeah, me too."
"Is your dad coming?"
Cole kept his silence as he texted his Dad for the nth time—no reply. The last text Sendoh had with him was 4 in the afternoon. He wondered if something came up. Cole sighed and stared at his teammates dejectedly. "S-sorry, he's not answering… maybe he's busy." They all groaned in disappointment. Cole shook his head sadly as he placed his foot atop the orange leather ball and stared at it absentmindedly.
Dad, where are you? Thought you'd be here by 6 pm… Cole bit his lower lip, his brows furrowed—he heard a car engine started and looked to see the familiar red sedan—Rukawa's. He stared at it for awhile as his sensei prepares to depart the school premises. Cole swallowed involuntarily and looked back at the expectant faces of his teammates.
"L-look, I'm sorry. Maybe we'll try again tomorrow. I know my dad, I'm sure something came up—"
"Yeah, I know, but maybe he could have just informed us beforehand."
"True, I mean… what do we do now, we haven't had a proper practice or training and its next week already!"
"Aidan's going to crush us, big time."
"Ugh, its sucks to be us right now!"
"Hope he didn't promise anything…"
His teammates groaned and grunted, ranting whatever as they all stood up and started gathering their bags and things. "Sorry…" Cole mouthed to each and one of them as he, too, prepares to leave. His teammates paused though, blinked their surprise as the familiar and shadowy figure of a someone emerged behind Cole. "Uh… Cole?"
Cole turned slowly and saw Rukawa behind them, arms crossed, a frown on his face. Cole immediately bowed—the others too. Rukawa simply nodded his head. "Why are you all still here?" He queried—the tone of his voice demanding an answer, but not mad. They all looked at each other. "Uh, well…" One stated. The others scratched their heads. "W-we're actually waiting for Cole's father." One muttered. Cole didn't say anything as he kept his gaze on the ground.
Rukawa blinked—surprised. They're waiting for… Sendoh? Really. He stared at Cole and one student tapped him on the back, Cole looked up. Rukawa raised a brow. Cole cleared his throat. "Well, my dad said he'd be coaching us—helping us for our training against Aidan next week, sensei. He said he'll be here every 6pm starting today but… he hasn't been answering my calls or texts since 4:30 pm." Cole trailed off a bit lowly. Silence.
The problem with Rukawa is that ever since he became an educator, the word responsibility stepped up on a whole new level. And as such, he's not just an adviser, nor a motivator—most of the time, he's also a counselor, a mediator, reality checker, and maybe, just maybe, he found two additional titles; a coach and a trainer. Rukawa wanted no more than to nod, waved goodbye and walked off but the dejected looks on the kids faces is telling him, he's probably going to regret everything after the night if he didn't do what he thinks he knew best.
A few more seconds of stillness and one student started waving off. "I, I gotta go guys, lets meet again tomorrow." The others nodded and soon, one by one, they're starting to leave—Cole, too, grabbed his bags and with a frown on his face turned the other way—only to be surprised.
"Where are you going?" Rukawa uttered. The team of seven students turned and gape to their surprise. "Thought you want to beat Aidan next week." Rukawa scoffed and purposely kicked the orange leather on the ground, sending it up rolling onto his legs and right into his hands. He dribbled the ball. The students blinked their bewilderment. Rukawa spun the ball on his index finger to the surprise look of the kids.
"Well? What are you standing there, for? Go inside the gym, now." Rukawa ordered. And seven pairs of legs scuffled their way onto the nearby gym. Cole paused for a minute, his eyes widened as he stared at Rukawa who was standing behind him a few feet away, as he folds his sleeves up to his elbows and unbuttoned his polo from the collar. Rukawa grabbed the ball and started dribbling it while walking, his eyes passive as he yawned and walked almost lazily into the gym. He walked pass Cole and when he reached the gym's door, Rukawa paused to looked at the still bewildered Cole.
"Tell your dad he owes me a cup of coffee and some ramen." Rukawa paused. "I'm kidding." Rukawa added. Not really meaning it. With a smile and chuckle, Cole nodded and jogged towards the gym. "I'll buy you the best ramen ever, sensei!"
XXX
Meadow Valley Hospital, Monday, 9:30 PM
Sendoh pushed the door to his office, with a tired body and mind, he plopped heavily on his couch and instantly got his phone and was disappointed to see ten missed calls and messages—all from Cole. He stood up and tried calling his son—no answer. He clacked his tongue and hurriedly grabbed his things as he exited his office.
He walked towards the lobby that leads to the parking area when a nurse hollered from behind. "Anou, Doctor!" Sendoh paused and stared, rather tiredly. He wanted to say he's out now but—duty calls. The nurse opened a chart and pointed something.
Sendoh got the chart and read for awhile then signed. "Text me when the patient experiences breathing problems. No, don't text—call me." He reminded the nurse, she nodded. "How about your lab orders for tomorrow?"
Sendoh massaged his temples and the nurse mouthed a 'sorry' as he paused for a minute. "Get me complete a cardiac profile—and lipid profile too. NPO 12 hours. That's it." And with all the hullabaloos over, Sendoh approached his vehicle, got in, and left the hospital.
Sendoh pulled over Sunnybrook, since its late and the school is technically closed; he got out—still donned in his navy-blue scrubs and black rubber shoes, he nodded at the familiar guard and walked inside the school premises. He dialed his son's number and paused for a minute.
"Hello?" A seemingly unfamiliar voice answered. Sendoh furrowed his brows, he knows its not Cole, yet he thought he knew the voice. "C-Cole?" A snort on the other line. "Who's this?" A scoffed. Sendoh frowned, too tired to play games or whatever. "Hey, who the fuck are you and where's my son?" He stated rather angrily. "Doaho." Sendoh stopped dead on his tracks and gape. "Rukawa?"
Rukawa rolled his eyes and almost wanted to laugh at Sendoh's enraged voice, although he knew it wasn't of course—funny, in a parent's point of view, still he finds it a bit amusing. "Faculty parking, near gym." Sendoh scoffed and nodded. "Yeah, I'll be there. Sheesh, Rukawa…"
A few minutes and Rukawa saw the familiar figure of Sendoh approaching him. Rukawa took note of Sendoh's disheveled hair and scrubs and seemingly haggard look. Sendoh paused when he was a few steps. He saw Rukawa leaning back on his car with his sleeves folded up to his elbows, and his polo shirt untucked. He honestly thought Rukawa looked as if he just got… laid. But of course, he wouldn't dare say that, given his look as well.
"I came here for Cole…" Sendoh tiredly stated—but he smiled, though his eyes are less focused. Rukawa nodded and tried to pull on a joke. "Where's the cash?" He tilted his head. "I put him in the trunk." Sendoh gape and Rukawa almost smirked. "Relax. He's inside." Sendoh walked and saw Cole—asleep inside Rukawa's car. His son looked tired as well.
Sendoh dumped a sigh and stared at Rukawa who was simply leaning in the front of the car. "I was supposed to come early and train them. There's been an emergency, I ended up having one heart valve replacement and a bypass." Sendoh stated drearily, not minding if Rukawa understood the severity of the procedures but deep inside, he knew the raven-haired guy isn't dumb.
Rukawa simply nodded. "Sure." Sendoh stared at him and wondered. "Hey, sorry for troubling you." Rukawa scoff and stared back at the guy just an arm's length away from him—Sendoh leaning as well. "I don't think I'm the right person you should be apologising for." Rukawa stated. Sendoh blinked- but he understood. He nodded slowly and said nothing. The silence coming in between them like some unwanted visitor.
"I shouldn't be making promises I couldn't keep."
"Now you're talking sensibly."
Sendoh chuckled. Rukawa simply snorted. "You looked… horrible by the way. You looked like someone who got up from the operating table and ran because you aint got money." Rukawa muttered, eyes staring at nothing particular.
Sendoh chuckled as he ran a hand on his hair. He turned to look to his right. "And you looked like someone who—" He paused.
Rukawa half-glared. "Like what?" He dared asked. Sendoh grinned. "—just had sex and enjoyed it." He finished.
Sendoh laugh when he saw Rukawa flashed his middle finger at him. "I finally got to do this without the students." Sendoh simply grinned as he laughed softly into the night.
"Gods, its hard to be a single parent."
Rukawa darted his eyes to his left—surprised at Sendoh's words.
Sendoh stared back at him, a smile on his lips. "You didn't know, do you?" He smiled. Rukawa blinked—not knowing what to say but he snorted. And in that particular night, Rukawa wanted to asked—a lot. Questions.
And mustering enough courage to do so, he dared one question. "Where's… Cole's mother, anyway?" Rukawa gulped to himself after releasing his query.
Just then, Cole stirred and opened his eyes to his surprised. He saw his father leaning down on the window and Rukawa who was looking at him. He hoisted himself up and got out of Rukawa's car.
"D-Dad! What… S-sensei, I'm so- sorry… I must have fallen asleep—sorry, I didn't mean to. Dad, what happened, why are you-?" Cole trailed off, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed at his father.
Sendoh smiled and placed a hand on top of Cole's head. "Sorry—emergency. Two important surgeries." He sighed. "I'll tell everything when we get home. I'm so sorry, Cole." Sendoh stated apologetically.
Cole stared at Rukawa. "Rukawa-sensei helped us—he, coached us." Cole smiled. Sendoh blinked, surprised. He looked at Rukawa who simply snorted and shrugged. "Its nothing big." He paused. "Not Takato's level." Cole laughed and Rukawa simply smirked—for it was actually beyond Takato's level. Rukawa's willing to bet the students limbs will be aching tonight.
A few minutes later, Cole got into Sendoh's car while Sendoh went back to Rukawa. He saw the raven-haired guy getting ready to leave as he placed his things in order. Sendoh cleared his throat and Rukawa turned, eyes a bit sleepy and really spent.
"I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean not to talk to you or anything." Sendoh started.
Rukawa simply snorted. "I'm just disappointed because I lost…" Sendoh trailed off, a soft smile on his lips.
Rukawa raised a brow. "So, you are sulking on a mere point." He snorted and almost tugged his lips upward.
Sendoh shook his head, Rukawa was puzzled. "Losing by a mere point means nothing to me—its just that, I'm so disappointed at myself because I lost my bet with you." He grinned.
Well, Rukawa clearly wasn't expecting that—he swallowed involuntarily, feeling suddenly a tad bit awake now. Sendoh smiled almost lopsidedly and crossed his arms, his biceps brachii showing under his navy scrubs.
Rukawa simply snorted and waved off—he opened the door to his car and got in, his head almost bumping but was surprised when he felt a palm atop his head, to his horror he looked to his left and saw Sendoh leaning- a grin on his lips. Rukawa felt his ears warming. "What the heck?" He muttered.
Sendoh grinned. "Hang out with me, Rukawa."
Rukawa blinked—confused and surprised. Puzzled as his mind managed to think the unthinkable that Sendoh might be so damn tired already to be saying nonsense.
"So?" Sendoh asked.
Rukawa frowned. "You've probably had a lot of lidocaine inside you."
Sendoh laughed. "Lidocaine, my dear is for topical use only." He winked to Rukawa's embarrassment. Did he just say… my dear?! He thought he read it somewhere, well, he needs to read more stuff. Rukawa batted Sendoh's hand and snorted. "Whatever."
Sendoh laughed. "So… is that a yes?"
"A yes for what?"
"To hang out with me."
"Why would I hang out with you?"
"Why wouldn't you hang out with me?" Sendoh grinned. "So?"
"Because I… wouldn't." Rukawa reiterated. Sendoh rolled his eyes as he slammed on the car's roof. Rukawa snorted as he started the engine. Sendoh started taking a few steps backward as Rukawa closed the door and dumped a sigh. He cast one last look at Sendoh who was standing a few steps away, a smile on his lips. And Rukawa, once more, how he wished he just sped off or maybe ran Sendoh over—because the next words sent blood rushing to his face, Rukawa wanted no more but to sock Sendoh's face.
"Give me a good reason why would I be hanging out with you?"
Sendoh paused, blinked and grinned, almost in mischief but its probably enough to have Rukawa thinking and annoyed. "Because… I got a crush on you?" Rukawa felt his ears burned. "You're kidding, right?" Sendoh simply laughed. "See you tomorrow, teach." He laughed and waved as he walked and exited the school's premises.
"You're a jerk, you know!" Rukawa hollered. Sendoh simply turned a bit and shrugged.
Fucking jerk. A crush?! What is he—some teenager with developing hormones? The problem with jokes is while they're deemed to be as half-meant, there's always a little truth behind every just kidding and Rukawa wondered if there's also a little emotion behind every I don't care.
TBC
XXX
Note: I'm floored from all the reviews; grateful and humbled. (T_T)
Guests: Thank you! I'm glad you all liked it and that you find it fun to read—to be honest, I enjoy writing this as well!
Star7: Hope you are doing well. We missed you! Kyaaa- I haven't really thought of Cole having a 'crush' on Rukawa but, since getting a few comments on how they (also) think Cole has something for Rukawa… I had to re-read and cant help but nod in agreement that- okay, I might have written him of as someone who *does* likes his teacher. Hahaha! Yeah, a small crush would be fine, I mean—a father and a son competing for the teacher's heart is something I don't think I can pull off; unless its you-doing the writing. LOL! Hugs!
RokudaimeLove: Fine, I'm going to brush off Yayoi (maybe, give her a malignant disease, lol-kidding) replace Sendoh's secretary-say, someone named "Leng". Right. This "Leng" is now Sendoh's new secretary. LOL! Thank you, I know how you hated reading stuff. Haha! Thanks for putting in some time. I love New Amsterdam too. I'm a fan of Dr. Kapoor, btw.
Akiraismylover: The reader award! Star7s number one fan, alright! Cant say much—I mean, we're always 'chatting'; thanking you as always and good luck collecting points for the you-know-what! You owe us a SenRu fic, btw.
KaedeSendo711: Sendoh, bisexual? Yeah, could be. I mean, he seemed like the jack-of-all-trades in most fics—anything, but straight. Glad you liked this. This is really some small nonsense my mind came up with.
Kylie: Thank you! I'm still thinking about if I should write off Sendoh as someone who's married or not. What do you suggest?
GuestPau: Thank you, but believe me—there are tons of amazing SenRu fics—try Star7s and RokudaimeLove's. They have better plots. Promise. =)
AddictedtoSD: Hugs! I'm writing chapter 5 already! Yii!
XXX