Teacher RuRu- Part 6 (1st part)
Note: This chapter is long overdue. The past few weeks literally dragged me to hell, I cant even explain. Life, and everything in-between caught up with me like a wildfire. Phew. Congratulations, AddictedtoSD for passing an important exam, and thank you for constantly ringing my inbox, haha! Star7, sorry—reply took awhile; rooting for you always! Akiraismylover, cheer up—life is tough, but so are you. You got this! To the usual personas in this mundane fic, thank you! :D
XXX
Tuesday, Sunnybrook, 10:00 AM
Rukawa is feeling sick to the pits of his stomach. He hasn't been speaking a lot since timing in at 7:00 AM. He is simply nodding and shrugging at colleagues and his students. Feeling the blues, Rukawa forced himself to write on the board, the dark bags under his eyes, evident, as he tries to keep them open. Fucking Sendoh Akira. Jerk! I shouldn't have agreed with that fucking Vodka! Rukawa paused writing and turned around, frowning, scowling, brows furrowed and very much not in the mood—the students blinked their eyes, sweatdropping. It's the first-time they've seen Rukawa-sensei not in his one hundred percent. Usually he stands up straight, eyes sharp, and loaded with snide remarks. But today was different.
"C-Copy first the notes." He muttered under his breath. The students nodded and went on copying quietly. Rukawa sat on one corner as he opened his laptop and hid behind the screen. He dumped a sigh and rubbed his temples. Kso! How can Sendoh even go home and drive like some crazy ass shit bat doctor! Rukawa inwardly tirades, remembering last night's event with Sendoh. The doctor just laughed the whole evening and drove off. Pestering him last night sure is Sendoh's prime motive. He yawned and wanted no more but to pull the time. And to think that it's a Tuesday, his busiest day!
Even if they won yesterday, the school were back in their usual business. No celebratory or whatever perks were given. Rukawa fought the second period that day as he forced himself to stood up, discuss the topic, and gave an assignment. He refrained from giving quizzes and activities because with his current state, he doesn't think he could check papers. All he wanted was to go home and sleep the whole day.
The second period ended—he was in his advisory class and they all rushed to take their break. Rukawa dumped a sigh and stood up and walked back to the faculty room like a zombie.
"Sensei… are you alright?"
"Rukawa-sensei, maybe you need to go to the infirmary."
He nodded and curtly smiled and shrugged off the kind offers of his colleagues. Ayako was forcing him to go to the clinic but he waved it off, not really wanting to say that it is just a bad case of stupidity and hangover. Rukawa stared at the papers and folders on his desk and instantly he slumped his head on one pile. Ugh, I wanna go home! He suddenly missed his bed; he would curl up under the sheets and snore the whole day away. Rukawa reminded himself that this is probably the last time he would do two consecutive days of no sleep.
He momentarily opened his eyes- his mind instantly found itself on his former rival. Weird. Sendoh sure is used to having little to no sleep; maybe he's gotten used to it due to the nature of his work. Rukawa snorted and tried to close his eyes, and frowned. The thing is, even if he closes his eyes, he could still see the smirking and laughing face of Sendoh Akira—his voice, his stupid and senseless jokes, his pathetic story, his narcissistic personality, his blue eyes, his nose… his smile… his teeth… his sharp jaw line…
KSO! WHAT THE FUCK! WHAT THE FUUUCCKK! Rukawa shot his eyes opened. He lifted his head, his heavy eyes glaring, his breath, labored. Maybe it wasn't a good idea that he found himself hanging out with his former teammate. He clacked his tongue and was about to slump back his head on the pile when the door to the faculty room opened. He blinked his eyes. Cole Sendoh.
Rukawa went bug-eyed. The other Sendoh. The younger Sendoh. Ugh. Still, a Sendoh.
The student smiled at the other faculty members and walked straight at him. Rukawa cleared his throat, frowning still, he tried to straightened up. He pretended to get one folder, opening it, and read the report. Cole approached him. The student cleared his throat.
"Anou… Rukawa-sensei." Cole started. Rukawa looked up, Cole smiled sheepishly. Rukawa dumped a sigh. "Nani?" He monotonously asked. Cole nodded and opened his backpack to get something. Rukawa looked on. Cole got something from his bag—two papers—folded and some…thing placed in-between.
"My Dad asks me to give this to you, sensei." Cole muttered, smiling a bit. "He arrived in the morning already, sensei." Rukawa blinked his eyes and got the paper, looking at Cole a bit. What to say? Well, your father invited me for a drink last night and we end up getting drunk! Pfft. Not a fucking good idea. Rukawa dumped a sigh instead.
Cole grinned and zipped back his bag. "Well, I gotta go now, sensei! Ja ne!" He turned and started to leave—when he paused. "Uh, anou sensei… well…" Cole started, feeling blood creeping up on his face, he scratches his ears. "Are you… are you free later?" He muttered, mustering all his guts to even dare asked. Rukawa blinked his eyes, surprised.
"Uh-well, I mean… since we won yesterday and since you helped us—I was wondering if you would like to go out with us—the team. Just somewhere around the area." Cole stated hastily, looking up and down, feeling embarrassed. Silence. Rukawa pondered. "Uh,—you can answer later, sensei!" Cole stuttered and grinned as he marched towards the door.
Rukawa blinked—surprised, really. Did a fourteen-year-old boy just… asked him out? Rukawa felt his lips twitched, and lowered his eyes on the folded paper. He opened it and gasped—Sendoh—you-?! He opened the paper and in between, was a four-piece medicine/tablet sealed in a silver foil. Seems like they're pain-killers, or aspirins. Whatever. He read the paper and it was actually a prescription for his hangover.
Px: Rukawa K, 35M, 01-01
#2 tabs after meal/Signed: Sendoh A, MD LicNo#00093711
Rukawa stared, astonished at the nerve of Sendoh to actually assume that he'd be having the worst hangover of his life but—BUT, is also feeling a tad bit uneasy that the doctor is able to foresee in advance. Rukawa cleared his throat, suddenly feeling his face warming. What the heck-?! Its just a prescription, besides, its his fault! Rukawa noticed another paper behind and read it.
It was a doctor's note! He didn't mind the note, but what bothered him is the piece of post-it that went with it. He deadpanned and felt his fist clenched, almost wanting to stand up and kick Sendoh if ever he was around.
To whom it may concern:
Please excuse RUKAWA KAEDE from work Tuesday and Wednesday, two days. It appears as though a serious case of sinusitis and fever and throat infection and is not yet been cured. I am prescribing two days complete bed rest with plenty of intake of liquid and oil free food along with proper dosage of prescribed medication.
Signed, Sendoh, A, MD, LicNo#00093711
Thing is, Sendoh even gave him a doctor's note if ever he needed one aside from the medicine. Rukawa sure is annoyed—but he also couldn't ignore the slight flutter in the pits of his stomach. Sendoh you… you really are a jerk!
(Post-it) Hope you got the meds and the note. The perks of marrying a doctor. Thank me later! Chill. Have a great day! -S/A
XXX
5:00 PM, Sunnybrook
"Did you tell him, Cole?"
"I did."
"What'd he say?"
"Nothing…"
"Maybe he doesn't want to join us."
"Sensei looked sick anyway."
"Yeah, did you notice? What'd you think?"
"Maybe he just went out last night."
"Date?"
"Maybe—I mean, Rukawa-sensei can surely pick anybody for a date."
"Boom! Hard facts."
"Heard he's single?"
"Hontou ni?"
"I don't buy it… he seemed like a private person—what if he's already married?!"
"Nah, he doesn't have a ring, idiot!"
"What if—"
"What?!"
"He likes… guys?"
"…"
"Bwahahaah!"
"Ssh! So loud, keep it down, you jerk!"
"Well why not, even some boys here find him attractive!"
"Woot woot! Don't tell me, you're-?!"
"Hahaha! Why are you turning red?!"
"Simping on sensei?!"
"Guys, what the hell?"
"Cole's jealous, hahaha!"
"Hey, Rukawa-sensei is one of the nicest teacher. He helped us. Shut it."
"Alright, Cole. Its him man, he started it."
"Damn you, I'm not! I respect him bro! He's an awesome teacher!"
"Alright, sorry—just kidding! Yeah, I respect him too. He's hardworking."
Cole dumped a sigh as he and his three other classmates/teammates sat on one of the many benches outside the gym. They were chatting to themselves, chuckling while browsing on their phones as they try to wait for Rukawa. Truth is, Cole wasn't able to follow-up on him since morning because he knew Tuesday is Rukawa's busy day. He heaved a sigh and clacked his tongue.
"Sendoh-kun."
The other teammates looked up. Cole, too, looked up—and smiled. "Ayano-kun." The other three looked at each other, puzzled. "Hey, Naomi-kun!" One greeted. Naomi adjusted her glasses and nodded at her classmates. Cole stood up. "Uh well—I invited her too." The other three stared from Naomi to Cole and then back. They nodded but their eyes seemed to be communicating something. Naomi simply bowed. "I hope you don't mind. Sendoh-kun invited me."
"Of course not! Hehe! The more, the merrier, ne?" The others grinned and nodded. "Yeah!"
"You're welcome to join, Naomi!"
Naomi simply smiled a bit and nodded-turned at Cole who simply smiled back at her. "Glad you can join." He grinned. Naomi simply nodded again. "Thank you. Anou—where's sensei?" She asked. Cole shrugged. "I was about to asked you actually." A smile.
Naomi blinked, gape a bit and shrugged. She, too, didn't know where Rukawa is—she's been busy with all of her subjects right after English that morning and just got invited discreetly by Cole in the late afternoon. She didn't know what made her agree though—but Cole actually persuaded her. And she found herself, obliging. Naomi sat on one edge of the bench—space between her and Cole. They sat—waiting for the next fifteen minutes.
XXX
5: 20 PM, Sunnybrook
Rukawa drinks from his tumbler and placed it down atop his desk. He stared at the opened silver foil and dumped a sigh. Pushing his chair, he stood up, gather his things and went down; determined to go home. Rukawa walked lazily to where his car is parked; feeling a tad bit better than before ever since deciding to take Sendoh's prescription. In fairness—he was able to pull the day. Although he is still sleepy—and wanted no more but to plopped down on his bed and doze the night off. No papers tonight. No checking, no power points. No papers tonight, no checking… He inwardly recites to himself.
Rukawa approached his car, pressing the door open and tossing his things on the back when he looked up, sensing some one is there—more like, some people. Rukawa furrowed his brows. What now?! His students, led by no other than—
"Rukawa-sensei!" Cole stated, walking towards him, followed by his three other students—teammates and… Rukawa blinked. Naomi. The only female in the group nodded, adjusted her glasses, bowing down a bit but not before greeting him. Oh shit. He did ask if I was free—troublesome. Rukawa remembered. He snorted and leaned on the opened car door.
"Nani? Why are you all still here?" Rukawa muttered—his eyes tired, but his head, much better. Cole smiled. "Uh, well… can we invite you, sensei? For dinner?" He grinned, finally asking straightforwardly. Rukawa blinked—surprise. He wanted to roll his eyes, thing is, he wondered if Cole would treat him and everyone else. "Uh, its just a small thank-you, sensei—and probably a small celebration as well, for winning yesterday."
"Please, sensei?" The other student second.
"Rukawa-sensei…"
"It'll be fun, sensei…"
Naomi cleared her throat, feeling a tad bit shy but she nodded as well. "Onegai… Rukawa-sensei." She bowed. Rukawa blinked, not quite expecting the persuasion being display before him. He snorted. Cole's smile faltered—as well as the others, sensing that Rukawa doesn't really want to. Cole cleared his throat, clutching his bag he tried to nod and smile. He looked back at his classmates. "Uh, well… we could try another time, ne?"
The others looked at each other and shrugged, getting the 'sign'. They nodded. "Yeah, don't worry sensei—maybe next time." They all muttered incoherently to themselves. Rukawa stared at the bunch; seriously? Dining out with the students is no big deal—he was just wondering, hm, am I really going to allow for them to pay for my dinner? What the heck?! Ugh. Students these days!
The group turned around, their shoulder slumped, feeling dejected. "Oi…" Cole paused and everyone else, they looked back. Rukawa sighed, crossed his arms and eyed them one by one. "There's six of us, my car can only hold up to five." They all blinked, surprised but the smiles on their faces are evident that they've just been obliged by Rukawa.
Cole smiled, nodding. "I know sensei—that's why…" Cole didn't even manage to finish his sentence when a vehicle drove by them, the window to the passenger side, opening. "Sensei!" Rukawa could only gasp. It was the other three players from the other class, Takato, and the assistant coach.
"Rukawa-sensei!"
"Kombanwa! Rukawa-sensei, hello!" The assistant greeted.
Takato simply nodded, a grin on his aged face. Rukawa could only sigh and soon enough, two vehicles with three adults and eight students trekked the freeway. Rukawa continued driving in silence with Naomi in front, Cole at the back with the other two classmates of him. The other van that loads Takato, the assistant, and four of Cole's schoolmates/teammates was ahead of them. Takato happens to know the place and so Rukawa was only tailing along.
Naomi fidgets on her seat, glancing an eye to her left, a bit uneasy—unbelieving that she was sitting in front of Rukawa's car. She discreetly tugged her lips upward and adjusted her glasses as she stared at her phone. The other boys in the back were busy chuckling and watching something on their phones while Cole who was behind Naomi's seat, stares at the window outside, occasionally throwing in a glance at his English teacher.
A few minutes later, they arrived at a seemingly Yakiniku restaurant. They all hopped out, stretched their arms and legs, as the other boys chattered excitedly and play wrestling around. Rukawa sighed and twitched his lips. Soon enough they went in and was ushered in a private room. The students looked excited as they grab the pillows and sat on the tatami floor—taking photos, selfies and whatnots. Rukawa placed himself on the far end, near the sliding door as a lady smiled, bowed, and started serving them bowls and opening the pre-installed grills in front of them.
"Yatta!"
"Yayy, meat!"
"I'm sooo hungry!"
"Hey, take our picture!"
Cole nodded, grinned, and looked around. His eyes befell at Rukawa who was staring at him. "How'd you know this place?" Cole grinned. "Actually sensei, Takato-sensei is the one who knew of this place." The old coach nodded. "Well, me and my family used to go here whenever we craved for some meat. I thought the kids would love it here. They served the best marinated meat." Rukawa simply nodded and curtly smiled. He threw in a look to his left—Naomi beside her and Cole who was beside Naomi.
Rukawa blinked—and would have laughed because he actually saw Cole looking inside his wallet then elbowing his other teammates; their eyes communicating. Rukawa kept the chortle to himself and soon after, the first batch of rice and meat and condiments came in. They all started grilling and digging in.
Naomi was eating slowly, eyes hovering around—the thing is, she wanted meat but Cole and the other boys were very much eating their own share with gusto, laughing, and chatting loudly. She sighed softly and picked another random side dish when her eyes widened. Naomi looked to her right.
Rukawa grab a tong-full of grilled meat and placed it on her plate. "S-sensei." She muttered, feeling the fluttering of her chest. Rukawa simply said nothing as he looked at the only female in the room and drank his cold sake; getting another fresh batch of raw meat and grilling them. Naomi bowed, smiled, feeling grateful.
"Well, how is it boys?" Takato asked, smiling.
"Good!"
"Oishii-sensei!"
"Can we have seconds?"
"Pig mouth!"
"Hey!"
"Hahaha!"
The other boys were pretty much loud, eating while chatting and throwing in insults and jokes. Naomi fidgets on her seat, eyeing something on the table—she was rather feeling a tad bit shy to asked for another beef meat. "Ayano-kun." Naomi looked at her left. Cole smiled and placed some beef meat on the plate beside her.
"A-arigato, Sendoh-kun." Naomi muttered. Cole simply grinned. "Hey, just pick whatever that's in front. It's unlimited, we can request for more meat and rice if you want." Naomi blinked her eyes and simply nodded—feeling her ears warmed.
Rukawa was discreetly eyeing his two students while eating his own share. He simply said nothing and turned in front of him when the assistant and Takato spoke—they talked about the tournament that Sunnybrook might be considering of joining to which Rukawa would occasionally throw in his opinion—having a vast experience in these basketball tournaments and such.
XXX
Rukawa, Takato, assistant, and Naomi waited as the seven students paid. Takato insisted that he pays, Rukawa, too, wanted to contribute but they were held back by their students. A few minutes later, the boys exited, grinning and scratching their heads and playfully looking at their now empty wallets. Takato and the others chuckled, Naomi, too snickered a bit. Rukawa could only snort and shake his head.
They were about to leave when the group noticed that the restaurant was situated near a park; the boys run and play chase—energy seeping in thru them as Takato, assistant, Rukawa, Naomi, and Cole walked for awhile—feeling full from eating a lot.
Naomi walked behind Rukawa who was ahead of her by a few steps. She looked at the back of her sensei and took note of the usual attire he would wear—his long sleeves polo shirt, tucked in, folded to his elbows, his black slacks, leather shoes, etc. She slowly hovered her phone in front of her, determined to take a snap shot when to her surprise, Rukawa halted and looked back at her. Naomi turned beet red and dropped her phone. "Eh?!" She uttered, bending down at once and grabbing her phone.
"Gomenasai, Rukawa-sensei." She grumbled, feeling caught and embarrassed. Rukawa simply blinked-snorted a bit and tugged his lip upward. He walked towards a wooden bridge, leaned on and stared at the man-made lake. Naomi simply blinked and followed her English teacher and looked as well over. "There." Rukawa muttered, pointing somewhere. Naomi stared to her right—Rukawa looked down at her.
"It's a better picture—the reflection of the moon on the lake and the trees." Rukawa stated. Naomi was surprised but she looked on and tried taking the shot and smiled when she looked at her snapshot. She showed the photo at Rukawa to which the teacher simply nodded. He smiled a bit though. "Better than you were aiming for awhile ago." Naomi blinked and chuckled to herself.
"When I grow up, I want to be like you, sensei." Naomi suddenly blurted out. "You want to become a super duper mega ultra-handsome guy?" Rukawa teased, his eyes displaying slight mischief. Naomi blinked—and laughed, her face flushed. Rukawa just made her remember her own formal essay about superlative adjectives. Rukawa simply smirked a bit.
"My mother is a single parent, sensei. She looks after me and my younger brother while working as an office assistant. My father left us when I was ten years old. We're not rich but, I think we're holding up just fine." Rukawa blinked, surprised that his student suddenly spoke. Naomi smiled wistfully. "Most of my classmates think I'm a loner and weird, but I'm really just trying to maintain my scholarship in Sunnybrook, sensei. So that my mother wouldn't need to worry much about my tuition." She paused. "I decided, I also wanted to become a teacher, like you." Silence.
A soft wind blew by, sending the grasses beside the pond swaying by. Rukawa's eyes were fixated on the reflection of the moon on the pond—like some whitewash canvass painting. "But I'm not sure if I'm going to be as good as you are, sensei…" She trailed off softly.
"I think you're going to be even better."
Naomi gasped, looking suddenly up to her right—meeting the blue eyes of Rukawa. Naomi swallowed involuntarily. "S-sensei." She muttered softly to herself.
Rukawa smiled wistfully, eyes reverting back on the pond. "I think you're brave, Ayano-kun. And its important that you're able to realize your dreams; because if you can see the chances of making your dream come true, you can also likely see the necessary steps to take towards achieving it."
Naomi gulped, feeling her eyes tearing up but she fought it back. She cleared her throat and nodded. "A-arigatou, Rukawa-sensei." Naomi widened her eyes, feeling her face burning up when he felt Rukawa's hand patted her head slightly. She looked up.
"We don't develop our courage by being happy everyday, that's why I told you I think you're a brave girl." Rukawa muttered softly—and a smile. He turned around and started walking back. "Time to leave, Naomi-chan." Only then, Naomi allowed a tear to escape her eyes but the beam on her lips is a proof that nothing is more beautiful than the smile that has struggled through the tears.
XXX
Friday, Sunnybrook, 4:00 PM
Wednesday, Thursday, and finally, Friday once more. The days passed by Sunnybrook's faculty and students. It's the regular season of lectures and exam week is next week. The teachers were busy finishing the topics and reminding the students of what to study. Everyone is preoccupied preparing their exams, and schedules.
Ayako entered the faculty room, holding up a paper. "Exam schedule, everyone!" She hollered and instantly they all stood up, eager to know what time will their subjects be. Ayako pinned the papers on a bulletin board inside their office and the teachers rushed to look, casually talking to themselves, some wanting to switch schedules with the other teachers.
Rukawa simply stared from his desk. He can easily get up and hover above everyone since he's the tallest amongst everyone but decided not to as he busied himself with finishing the copy of an exam and the answer key that they needed to pass to madame principal.
"Sensei!" Ayako chirped, leaning on his desk. Rukawa nodded, not looking at his colleague. Ayako sat down and started her 'the buzz at 4oclock.'
"You know, I am noticing something with you, lately. Heehee!" She giggled. Rukawa furrowed his brows, not really wanting to be disturbed as his fingers typed expertly on his 15-inch laptop.
"Kondo wa nani?" Rukawa muttered monotonously, his eyes rolling from left to right as he is rushing things.
Ayako laughed. "Oh, just a hunch. Are you seeing someone?"
Rukawa paused, his eyes instantly darting to his colleague. Ayako grinned and showed him a small post-it. And in her own quirky voice, she stated.
"Hope you got the med and the note. The perks of marrying a doctor. Have a great day. Thank me later. S slash A. Hahaha!"
Rukawa felt like he's been doused by a bucket of cold water, he quickly snatched the post-it, stared at it and scowled. Ayako laughed, giggling. "I just saw it under this chair, relax! I thought it was an important note or what but it seemed like some sweet reminder, rather."
She grinned, laughing and giggling. "Spill, sensei! Who's S slash A?" She asked straightforwardly, her brown eyes scrutinizing. Rukawa scoffed, frowning to the depths as he crumpled the post it and tossed it in his own bin.
"Are you dating a doctor?! Whoohoo… big time, huh." Ayako teased.
"Ch. You're saying nonsense, sensei."
"But who's S slash A?!"
"No idea."
"OH MY GOD!" Ayako beamed. Rukawa glared. Ayako chuckled. "Secret Admirer! Kyaaa~ Rukawa-sensei!" She gushed and giggled like a fourteen-year-old.
Rukawa gape as his eyes widened, clenching his fist as he shook his head. Seriously?! What are the chances that the word and his former rival's initials corresponds with- secret admirer? Sendoh Akira, you jerk!
Ayako continued chuckling. "So… are you guys, dating?" She chided.
"Ch. I'm not-no one's dating." Rukawa muttered, wondering why he almost paused.
"Hello, its not like you're a teenager who's not allowed to date? Our students are dating each other nonstop, swapping lovers every week and you're like an adult pig, pah!" Ayako tirades. Rukawa glared. Ayako glared back—and laughed. Silence. Rukawa simply continued typing. Sendoh, you idiot! He inwardly found himself blaming nonsense at the spiky-head doctor.
"S slash A is some stupid ass." He muttered. Ayako simply chuckled, amused. "Hahahah, your ears are red sensei." Rukawa gape as he scratched his ears. "Insect bite, hn. Why are you here anyway, are you done submitting your exams?" He muttered, trying very much to get away from the teasing.
Ayako scoffed, rolling her eyes and standing up. "Tc, you're no fun—escaping like some grown-up fox." She stuck her tongue out and waved. "Yeah, I'm done with my exams, you should check your schedule already." She winked and started walking away. Rukawa could only looked on blink. He dumps a sigh, paused typing, placed his palms atop his face and rubbed them. His eyes landed on the post-it he threw on the bin. Gaah, give me break. Ugh.
5:00 PM, Sunnybrook
"I want to go home."
"Me too, sensei."
"Ugh, why so late?!"
"Annoying old hag…"
"Fucking hate late meetings…"
"Hope there's free food, haha!"
"Hey keep it, someone might here you."
"Did you see her new bag?"
"I did! It looks great! Louis Vuitton? Ugh, I want one!"
"Duh, it seems fake."
"I think its legit…"
"Its movie night with my husband."
"I'm meeting someone tonight…"
"Oohh… let us see the pic!"
"Saw him on a dating app, hahaha!"
"Sensei, what are you doing…"
"Checking goddamn quizzes, of course."
"Psst, Rukawa-sensei… who's S slash A, hihihi!"
"…"
The door to the conference room opened and the faculty members straightened up. Madame principal walked up in front, clutching her new purse, nodding and smiling at everyone. "Hohoho, sorry I'm late. I know you're all eager to go home, but let me just remind you of the activities next week." She chirped in her usual quirky voice.
"Okay, so it's the exams week on Monday, I hope everyone is fine with their schedules. Please make sure the students secured their examination permits. So, exam from Monday until Thursday and of course, no classes on Friday for them to have a break; also, a good time for you all to check the exams…"
A faculty raised a hand. "Can we come in on Saturday to finish checking?" The principal nodded. "Of course."
"Can we file it as overtime?" Some laughed but they're hopeful. OT is double their usual rates.
"No, just an extra-time." Madam principal chirped. Some groaned. Rukawa twitched his lips and snorted. Sunnybrook sure is a cheapskate. She grinned. Some teachers nodded, others groaned and rolled their eyes.
"So, on next, next week, just after our exam—we're having some activities, starting on Monday-Tuesday, its science and technology day so please make sure your class has something in store regarding science. An experiment, a symposium, a drama, or any project thereof—any science-related. My secretary will send in the details." She paused.
The faculty looked at each other and started talking to themselves. Some are excited, others are not. Then on Friday- the United Nations." She grinned and clasped her hands excitedly. "Before you go home, please make sure you select the country you'll be representing on this bowl."
The latter activity perked up the faculty members as they started chatting excitedly, grinning, laughing, reminiscing past UN events. Rukawa simply scoffed, remembering the past three years he was in Sunnybrook and his past UN events. He never, won once the UN Classroom Award.
And no, it doesn't bother him—the other faculty seemed to be putting in a lot of effort while he—well, he just tells his students to do whatever they can. He remembers his class had represented Spain, Denmark, and Germany. He wondered what country will he be assigned. He sighed and randomly picked a paper in the bowl amidst the groans, and excited squeal and cheers of the other faculty members- mixed emotions.
Rukawa frowned, furrowing his brows he dumped a sigh. Seriously?! Why cant I just pick Japan? Ayako patted him on the back and grinned. "Sensei, what country did you picked?" Rukawa scoffed, his shoulders a bit slumped. "What's yours?" Rukawa asked back. Ayako smiled as she showed her paper. "Ta-daa! Paraguay!" They both turned their heads when some faculty started hollering their countries.
"Yatta! I got Japan! Yosh!"
"Ugh, Russia?!"
"America! Alright! Hamburgers!"
"I got Egypt!"
"Sounds awesome! Mine's Thailand!"
"Change with me? Mine's Mexico."
"Nah, I'm fine with Italy. Sorry."
A pat on his back and Rukawa was made to look. It was a co-faculty, teacher of Social Studies. "Anou, Rukawa-sensei… would you like to change country with me, I got Canada?" A grin. Rukawa turned and eyed the shorter male colleague. "Why?" Rukawa asked. The teacher scratched his head and smiled. "Well, I thought it'd be easier, since my wife is from the country you picked so, she's got ideas of what to do. Ehe." He muttered.
Rukawa contemplated for awhile and stared at his paper. Canada, huh. He was thinking from where he thought he heard the country, and as if on cue, his eyes widened.
She's half-Canadian so that's why she doesn't look like pure Japanese. Sendoh said. Rukawa didn't know but he shrugged off to the other teacher's surprise.
"Uh—well, I'm fine with this country." Rukawa muttered monotonously.
"Eh, are you sure, Rukawa-sensei?"
"Yeah."
"Are you really sure now…sensei?"
Rukawa snorted and nodded, bowing before turning on his back. "Excuse me, sensei." He muttered and exited the room. It was after late after five when they were dismissed by the principal and Rukawa trekked the parking lot, threw his things at the back and got in his red sedan. He dumped a sigh and massaged his temples.
The sudden rumbling of thunder disturbed him. He looked out the window. His eyes seeing the sky, suddenly tar-black and large clouds moving towards the whole area. A tapping on the window and then it became pitter-patter, filling the sound on his head while sitting inside his car. So much rain suddenly started pouring, drumming against his roof.
He adjusted the rear mirror and stayed inside for awhile, turning on the engine and radio but just seating inside—eyes upfront but not really staring at anything particular. Its been eight weeks since he met his former college rival/teammate from Waseda and three weeks of almost hanging out consecutively with him. From the day they met during that fateful PTA until… recently.
Rukawa wondered the fact that he's even contemplating this thing—this thing that's been bugging him; like some—nameless feeling he thought is mounting inside of him whenever his mind would start to wander. Its overwhelming. And tiresome. But it's there. Like, its been there all along and he's only realising it now. Why—why does the littlest things reminds me of…
All he knew is that, he was doing fine being alone, he was used to being alone—he'd be lost and be uncertain at times, he'd be broken, but he is free, he is doing fine—until his unminding soul stumbled upon something he thought… he never needed. And it all came suddenly without a warning.
Rukawa swallowed involuntarily, feeling his head heavy, crowded and clouded with both valid and invalid thoughts—he slowly found himself leaning on the steering wheel, placing his forehead atop his right hand. And in that sudden unwelcoming awareness, Rukawa knew he got lost. And its was the kind of lost that is exactly like being found.
Rukawa felt his hand gripped the wheel—hearing the loud downpour of rain he felt his lips quivered. I shouldn't have… I should have just walked away from the start—I should have just left things at hello. I hate this rain. I fucking… hate this rain. This downpour reminds me of—because it is falling hard, and I think… I am too.
XXX
Meadow Valley Hospital, 7:00 PM
Thunderstorm. The city was blanketed with heavy downpour; the thunder rumbling across the tar-black sky followed by the luminous strike of lightning—illuminating. Everything is suddenly doused. With one final check on the chart, Sendoh signed on it and handed it back at the nurse on the station. The nurse nodded and smiled. "Thanks Doc. He seems to be improving." Sendoh batted a final stare on one particular room in the ICU and nodded. "Yeah, that's good to hear." A pause. "Call me if anything." The nurse nodded and smiled.
Sendoh exited the ICU department, glanced at his watch and went down to finally go home. The elevator door opened and he walked in. Sendoh exited the elevator door and walked on from the hospital's front lounge to the far-left aisle that leads to the doctor's parking area. He paused when he saw a familiar figure sitting on the bench. The figure looked up and nodded. "Hey." Sendoh smiled and nodded. "Kicchou."
Fukuda straightened up on his seat. "Going home already?" Sendoh nodded, his body and mind tired. Fukuda nodded and stood up, clutching his jacket and bag. "You?" Sendoh asked back. Fukuda shrugged. "Yeah, just waiting for the hard rain to pass…"
Sendoh's brow raised a bit. Rain? Its raining? He hadn't notice; the day has been busy (as always) and he has been doing his rounds and clinic alternately the whole day. Sendoh felt his phone inside his white coat and saw a message; it was from Cole—informing him that he was home already. Sendoh just typed in a few and sent it. He dumped a sigh and placed the phone back in his coat—scratching his nape, he decided to walk and head home. "Hey doc."
Sendoh paused, looking at Fukuda who got something from his bag. "Why don't we wait for awhile?" Sendoh blinked his eyes—but he obliged. Soon after the two former high school classmates were standing under a shed in an open area; the out-patient wing of the hospital premise. Fukuda lit up a stick and tossed the lighter to Sendoh to which he caught one-handedly.
Sendoh stared at the stick and the lighter in his hands—contemplating if he should. Remembering partly someone telling him the dangers of nicotine. He smirked to himself, ironically. But he indebted himself. Fukuda sat back on a bench nearby, slumped his back and puffed out smoke. Sendoh stood, eyes on the pouring rain before him, a hand on his hip as the other holds the stick.
"Busy day, doc?"
"Yeah. You."
"Always. Doing sixteen hours for the past week."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah. Understaffed." A pause. "But we got two new bloods. Still training them." Fukuda muttered as he busies himself with smoking. Sendoh simply nodded and smirked. "Your payslip must be burning hot, eh."
Fukuda stared then chuckled. "Hahaha, fuck I wish." Sendoh simply smiled. He inhaled on the stick and puffed it out, eyes staring at the darkened sky and downpour.
"How's Cole?" Fukuda queried out of nowhere. Sendoh looked at the casually sitting nurse and stood on his right foot, putting his weight there while leaning on one of the cemented pillars. "He's fine. Tenth grade already."
Fukuda smirked, nodding. "Time flies huh." Sendoh nodded, smoking yet again. "Yeah, time… flies." Sendoh muttered lowly, his eyes flickering above the ground before landing on the empty space beside Fukuda.
"He's got a girl?" Fukuda smirked. Sendoh groaned. "He can't fucking marry until he's forty." Fukuda laughed. Sendoh shook his head as he took in a smoke and blew it, smiling almost slyly. "Kid can't even properly tie his shoelaces." Sendoh stated, smiling a bit.
Fukuda continued chuckling. "Man, you're a grandpa." Sendoh simply shrugged. "Well—I'm both his dad and…. mom." Fukuda simply scoffed and shrugged; getting Sendoh's sentiment.
"How's the old guy?" Fukuda added. Sendoh blinked and shrugged, remembering the patient awhile ago.
"He's fine. Still in the ICU but… hopefully he'd be roomed-in in three days." Fukuda smirked, nodding. "Good. I bet he'd be waltzing in no time." Sendoh chuckled a bit, shaking his head. "Hope he doesn't waltz back to us." They both laughed a bit then stopped. A few more minutes and he sat beside the nurse. Silence. The rain showing no signs of stopping.
"Fucking rain."
"Hm?"
"Nah, I'm just going somewhere, doc." Sendoh nodded, smiling. "Date." Fukuda added. Sendoh was made to look—his eyes sparking interest. Fukuda smirked. "Ya know." Sendoh nodded. "Of course, I know." Fukuda grinned. Sendoh placed the stick between his lips and blew smoke. "Where to?" Fukuda chuckled. "Just home. Movie. Popcorn. Then…"
Sendoh grinned, chuckling a bit, very much knowing what's next. He raised his left arm and patted the nurse. Fukuda simply chuckled. "What? I haven't said anything. Then, we'll play some board games, sheesh man." Sendoh flicked the stick on the ground and stomped on it. "Good luck, Kicchou. Just, you know… be careful." Sendoh playfully warned.
"Who says I'm seeing a girl?" Fukuda then, stated. Sendoh gape a bit, surprised, blinking his eyes, he stared. Fukuda snorted, chuckling to himself, amused at the doctor's face. Sendoh wondered if Fukuda is playing him but he knew the nurse—they've been friends since high school. He never once saw Fukuda with someone and had always thought that Fukuda is only interested in basketball and his drawings, and so it came as a surprise when he even pursued a degree in nursing. Sendoh simply snorted softly and nodded, not the one to pass on judgement; and why would he? After all, love is when two people touch each other's soul—regardless of anything.
"He was a friend—in middle school." Fukuda said, smiling—lighting another stick, giving one to Sendoh to which the doctor obliged. "A nurse as well?" Sendoh asked. Fukuda shook his head. "Nah. Assistant professor. He teaches in college." Sendoh blinked, digesting the information, nodding his head. "Teaches." Fukuda stared at the doctor who was looking on ahead—a soft smile on his lips. "What?" Fukuda muttered. Sendoh stared at the nurse, smirked and shrugged. "Nothing. I just know someone who… teaches as well."
Fukuda lift a brow but he nodded. "Oh." A pause. "So—this middle school friend of mine also plays basketball and—well, it was during internship when I started having these… malicious thoughts about him." Fukuda smirked, continuing his story. Sendoh chuckled, eyes crinkling. "Malicious, huh." Fukuda, too, laughed. "Don't get me wrong, I dated girls too. I liked girls. I check them out." He stated, eyeing the amused surgeon. Fukuda puffed out a smoke. "But… its just one day that I realised, he makes me smile for no reason—and before I knew it, I already met the heart of this person I'm meant to love."
"How about you?"
"Hm—how about me, what?"
Fukuda simply smirk and shrugged. "You—going out?" Sendoh blinked, surprised. But he scoffed. He yawned and scratched his nape, stole a glance on his watch and inhaled in smoke before puffing it out. Fukuda kept on his gaze to his right. He heaved a sigh and stretched his legs. "Maybe you should."
"I'm busy. No time." Sendoh said instead; wondering why he thought he felt it wasn't right. Sendoh knew that he keeps most of his time busy with the things he does, but in every moment, he pauses, he knows his mind is wandering somewhere else. He swallowed involuntarily and kept his eyes upfront. Fukuda smirked. "Can't you be more specific." A wry smile. Sendoh stared to his left. Fukuda lifted the corner of his lips. Sendoh snorted and shook his head. Specific. What the hell does that even mean.
Fukuda just asked him if he's going out—it was an easy question, but why does it seem like he's having a hard time looking for the right words. And as Sendoh was trying to race his mind for any form of answers, his wandering awareness led him to an event last night in fragments—wicker sofa, vodka… colorful worms. He found himself suddenly smirking, suddenly remembering last night's tryst with a college teammate. "I had that same fucking look in my face too, you know."
Sendoh blinked, taken out of his reverie, looked to his left. Fukuda smirking as he places a stick in between his lips. "W-What?" Sendoh queried. Fukuda chuckled. "I said—I had the same fucking look on your face when I thought I found the person I wasn't even looking for." And he grinned. Sendoh could only look, his eyes on Fukuda's slit-like stare. The nurse flicked off the stick and stomped on it. He stretched his hands and stood up, sensing the rain dying down a tad bit.
Sendoh kept his silence, his mind still digesting the last words Fukuda said. And in that moment of the nurse's tiny tell-all-tale about his personal life, Sendoh is reminded about the wonder of fate; how destiny decides who you meet in life but it's the heart who gets to decide who stays.
10:30 PM
Sendoh trekked the wet and damped freeway; his eyes on the road, his left hand on the wheel, his right hand on the elbow rest. He stepped on the break when the stoplight lit red and waited. A few minutes more and he noticed his gas gauge below half; turning right, he decided to stop over a gas station. Turning off the engine, he went down and started filling his vehicle. He yawned as he lazily stared at the rolling numbers. Done with filling up, he got back inside, started the engine and headed home.
Sendoh pulled his tie lose, unbuttoning his polo, tucking it out, removing his belt and tossing it on the couch. He absent-mindedly went up the stairs and walked silently on the aisle leading to one of the rooms—Cole's. He twisted the knob open, and checked on the sleeping form of his son. As expected, Cole was there, lying on his back, snoring softly.
Sendoh sighed, went inside the room and turned off the television, picked up his son's soiled clothes, and took quite noticed of the mild clutter on his desk. Sendoh placed the soiled clothes inside the laundry bag and his eyes caught sight of Cole's open laptop. Sendoh is not the one to pry onto his son's computer but his eyes caught sight of a piece of paper atop the keyboard.
Sendoh squinted his eyes and lifted the paper up, saw his son's name, his section and subject—English. Essay Assignment. Sendoh hovered his eyes above the paper; it was an essay. He found himself reading the essay, scanning actually. His eyes arrived at the last part. And though he raised me all by himself, my father is my first love. I love you, Dad."
And just like any parent perhaps, Sendoh felt the corner of his lip tugged, placed the paper down, and stole a glance at his sleeping kid. He lifted the blanket up to cover his son up to his chin. Cole… I'm not a perfect father, but I'm here for you. Always.
TBC (Part 6.1)
Note: I had to cut this chapter into two parts, man, its too long already and didn't want it to drag. Its probably not interesting as before, still… let's see. No worries, second part almost done, just finishing the last scenes. :D
XXX