Part 5- The Party

Note: I can't believed this fic finally overlapped with Boys of Summer. My fault. I'm a slow poke. Time flies so fast, I can vividly remember what I did and where I went last year at this time around; we went to Quebec for the summer—and in that beautiful city, my mind wandered about all the unfinished and still ongoing fics of mine, I hate me. LOL. And just like that, another year has gone by. I hope yours has been productive. Happy SenRu Day 2022!

XXX

Sakuragi and Yohei went with Kogure who borrowed Mitsui's car and the three drove off. Fukuda is busy tapping on his phone, waiting for Uber. Sendoh is leaning back onto some wall, eyes above the sky. The dark and vast canvass, whitewashed with countless specks of stars. He felt the corner of his lip tugged up.

"When I love, I love… wholly, thoroughly, completely, drowning in everything…"

Fukuda blinked, stared to his left and snorted. What the fuck?"Fuck man, what are you mumbling?" Sendoh scoffed, laughed a bit and rubbed his droopy eyes. "Nothing man. Just some piece of crap I wrote."

Fukuda paused. Then laughed. Sendoh knew it was coming, he scoffed and playfully gave Fukuda the middle finger. "Mwahaha! F-fu-fuck, no… you fucking wrote-?! Come that again, when you love?!" Fukuda sneered like a true drunkard now. Sendoh rolled his eyes. "Hey, didn't you write anything for our speech class? It's a fucking assignment, man. Write an original verse—or whatever." Sendoh snorted and slumped down on the ground.

Fukuda continued laughing. "I did, man." He wiped his eyes from laughing. Leaning back against the wall, he stared at Sendoh who was staring back at him. "What?"

"What, what?"

"What the heck did you write about, I wanna hear it."

A pause. "They're there every day, and under them, you can play. Their leaves can be green. And trees are never mean…" Silence.

It was Sendoh's turn to chortle. He laughed so hard, he coughed. He snickered on the ground, clutching his abdomen as he and Fukuda laughed off the night. Alcohol sure is a friend to them that evening.

"Hahaha- hahaha… what the—what the hell is that!?"

"Its about a tree, man. Its nature you dick. But I wanna hear yours. Fucking wrote about love, huh. Arent you inspired. C'mon, man." Fukuda prodded. When Sendoh calmed after laughing so hard, he sniffed, rubbed his eyes and shook his head.

"I… I can't remember… oh wait, something like…"

"C'mon asshole!" A pause. "Who you dedicated it too?" Fukuda smirked, elbowing his teammate. Sendoh snorted, elbowing back. Fukuda poked again. They both chuckled, eyes heavy and mind laden with alcohol. Sendoh felt his phone vibrated again. He fished for it.

Where are you? I cant believed you forgot.

Sendoh groaned, pocketing his phone and lifting both his knees and placing his arms atop, leaning his forehead in. Yeah, I forgot. I just have to say sorry, I guess.

"You okay, brother?"

"Hn." Sendoh snorted. Fukuda scoffed and said nothing. Stillness. He checked his phone and saw their ride just a few minutes away.

Sendoh closed his eyes momentarily and inhaled in air. It was a beauteous evening, calm and free. A mild evening breeze draught by. He looked up at the sky once more and the words came rolling off his tongue. "Every glance… every distant greeting, can be a conversation…eyes playing, and saying what needs to be said… when silence is loud and air becomes heavy… and I knew, I swear… I saw my name there…" His voice, slowly and steadily reciting, deeply resonated in the stillness of the night.

"Sendoh…"

Fukuda blinked his eyes, mouth a bit open, quite surprised. Not expecting the person who's in front of them. Sendoh blinked, hearing his name, he slowly averted his gaze from the sky to the person in front.

I saw my name there, more than once. Sendoh's mind finished off his own poem. He blinked and shifted from the ground, hoisting himself up, his knees almost giving him up.

"Rukawa-kun." And he smiled.

Rukawa nodded, gripping his hand on the handle, his mind unsure of what he's been doing.

"Do you want to… hang out." Rukawa mumbled the last part, hitting himself with a trout in the face. He almost felt his nape burned from embarrassment. It wasn't even delivered questioningly—he said it monotonously Sendoh would think of him as sleep-talking. Rukawa, you freak.

Sendoh gasped a bit. Surprised. Fukuda blinked his eyes. Unsure of what he heard. They were interrupted when a light shone past them and stopped. It was the Uber. Fukuda stood up, dusting his shorts and staring at Sendoh who seemed to have been engaged in a staring contest against Rukawa Kaede. Fukuda cleared his throat, and grab the handle of the passenger seat.

"Hey man… Uber's here. C'mon." He muttered lowly. Sendoh remained unmoving. Rukawa felt his gripped tightened. Unfortunately, this isn't the night. He cleared his throat a bit.

"Sendoh…" Fukuda called again.

Did Rukawa just… invite me? Sendoh wondered. He stared at Fukuda who nodded at him and Rukawa. "Nice seeing you again, Rukawa. We're heading along… evening." Fukuda mumbled.

Rukawa nodded and turned to Sendoh, he turned his bike around and inwardly berated himself. You shouldn't have gone back…

"Uh. Forget it. Next time." Rukawa started, wishing Sendoh is too tanked-up to even digest his approach awhile back.

Fukuda closed the passenger door and slumped on the seat, rubbing his temples and eyes. He dumped a sigh.

"And the other guy?" The driver asked him. Fukuda snorted and shook his head. "Nah, its just me. Let's go."

XXX

Saturday, 1:30 a.m.

The evening air was light and crisp; the dark sky draped over like a thick velvet drape. Rukawa yawned, he lost count. He was slowly drumming his fingers on the table outside some convenience store they both come across while walking in silence. For some reason, he found himself ending up in the company of-

Rukawa's head bobbed off from his left palm; sleep clearly caving in relentlessly. He felt his head slid off of his palm abruptly—surprised at his own actions, he shook his head slowly and tried to pry his eyes open. Luckily the table across him is empty.

The main door to the store opened, out came Sendoh Akira carrying two plastic cups of coffee. Rukawa knew convenience store coffees aren't necessarily the best; he'd rather have some brewed but, he knew he was partly awake when he was walking a few minutes ago and that the enzymes needed for his brain to work is not necessarily within their reference range at the given moment.

He saw a cup placed in front of him.

"You alright?" Sendoh muttered, sitting across him, pulling the chair as far as he can to accommodate his equally tall frame. Rukawa nodded curtly, held the coffee and sip. Blech. What the actual fuck is this?! He swallowed the weird taste.

His eyes gaze upfront and saw Sendoh's stare. The taller staring at him—his hair partly disheveled but still had his spikes on, a hand on his coffee. Rukawa quickly stared right back down on his cup.

"So…" Sendoh started. "Let me guess, you wanted to play one-on-one after a cup of coffee?" He grinned.

"You're quite insightful." Rukawa muttered, rolling his eyes and snorting.

"Well, you're technically not that hard to… comprehend. Except a while ago, when you put on that skirt, I had to stare again—like hard." Sendoh laughed when he saw the younger glared.

"Tc."

"So…" Sendoh started again. He smiled, used to drinking. He's not a drunkard, just so happened that his alcohol threshold is high. Rukawa felt his other hand clenched. He honestly didn't know how to begin. He cleared his throat and fidgeted on his seat. He racked his brain for any topic or question perhaps that will warrant his request for Sendoh to accompany him on that particular evening.

But he came up with none.

"Uh." He started. Sendoh waited, sipping on his cup. Silence. The annoying door to the store opened, as two more customers exited. The store is now empty but the last two idiots who went out didn't bother to closed the door. Sendoh stared in the inside, as if looking for something to eat, while flipping his phone on his left hand.

He turned to the quiet rookie and leaned in, surprising Rukawa. "So… you said you wanted to hang out?" He grinned. "Wow. Tell me I'm dreaming. I mean, Rukawa and hang out doesn't necessarily go well, no?" He chuckled. Rukawa scoffed and clacked his tongue. "You're right. It doesn't. Bye." He pushed his chair alerting Sendoh.

And maybe Rukawa shouldn't have said that because he was pulled down when Sendoh instinctively grabbed his left arm and yanked him down. "H-hey, chill down will you." He laughed. Rukawa pulled back his hand and snorted, drinking his coffee almost in half.

Silence, just some old yacht rock music accompanying them on that evening. Sendoh sipped on his cup and stood up, went inside the store. Rukawa blinked his eyes, wondering. He pounded his right hand on the table, not quite liking the way things are happening. He shouldn't have gone back! He isn't ready to tell on Sendoh. He is ready to accept the fact that its not going to be the same but—suddenly, he's not ready to admit his feelings yet.

He thought alcohol and being slightly a bit distraught would knock him with some ultra-powerful-confession-ability- but hell, his tongue is suddenly held on a short leash. But! I cant meet up with him again on another day! Its not like there'll be any other days!

Rukawa knew Sendoh would probably ban him on his contacts, or maybe shout to the whole Ryonan community how disgusting he is! Rukawa gritted his teeth and thought hard. Maybe he wont be speaking after all, tonight. He'd just tell Sendoh that he just wanted some company for coffee.

Fucking douche. I'm a fucking douchebag! I shouldn't have… I should have just…?! His mind berated him like crazy. Sendoh came out with a bag of chips on the hand. He popped it open and placed it in front of Rukawa.

"Eat." Sendoh muttered, grabbing a few in hand, munching like no care. Rukawa wondered if he can take it, especially because he thought his stomach is churning a bit, and not because he is hungry. Because of something else—like some truth that needs to be said.

For a few minutes, its just some Versace song that was ramming into the airwaves. Bruno Mars sure has the audacity to unzipped someone's dress and watch it fall. Rukawa wondered if courage can be transferred via bluetooth. He'd like to have some of Bruno Mars' confidence. He opened his mouth, readying to talk when Sendoh beat him to it.

"Great party, huh."

Rukawa blinked, and nod. Sendoh smiled. "You were cool, after all."

"Hn. What do you mean by that?"

A chuckle. "Nothing. I meant, I expected you to be a sourpuss. Guess, I misjudged you." He grinned. Rukawa simply scoffed.

"Also… you rocked the skirt." Sendoh chuckled, lifting his peace-sign when Rukawa glowered his gaze.

"Doaho. It shouldn't have been you."

"Hahaha! Glad it wasn't me then." Sendoh chortled. Rukawa twitched his lips and said nothing.

"By the way, Rukawa… did you meet the player I was telling you about?" Sendoh grinned. Rukawa blinked his eyes. The nerve of Sendoh to sway the mood away. He furrowed his brows. "What?" Sendoh chuckled, munching in some chips and shaking his head. "You played Sannoh, right? And beat them?"

Rukawa nodded twice. Sendoh shrugged. "You met him? The stronger player? Kita…Kawa… Kita-something?" Sendoh mumbled unsurely. Rukawa blinked… then scoffed, finally realizing. "I did." He muttered. Sendoh grinned. "He's good, huh?"

Rukawa snorted, not quite understanding the way the night seemed to be steering the conversation. His mind, albeit tired and sleepy partly remembered their game against one of the top-seed team. Not knowing what to say, he snorted. Sendoh smirked.

"So, I guess you want to know how to beat the guy?"

"Wh-?" Rukawa furrowed his brows, unbelieving what he's just heard. Stupid Sendoh!

Sendoh blinked, confused. For the first time—he thought Rukawa seemed odd; reacting as if he didn't care about the sport. He scoffed. "Why do you react as if you didn't want to ask me how to beat him?"

"Because I dont." A pause. Rukawa thought he answered abruptly and with vindication. "Kita-something?"

Sendoh blinked. Rukawa grimaced. "Its Sawakita. Idiot."

Silence. Then Sendoh laughed. "Oh, damn. I mean, I'm so bad at names, the only opponent's name I do remember is… yours."

"And why is that?" Rukawa had the confidence to ask; it seemed like alcohol is still his friend.

"It means you're good." Sendoh muttered, nodding. "Really—good." He grinned. Rukawa clenched his fist, finding it hard not to feel giddy. Or, weird. He scoffed.

"Unprecedented."

"Ch."

"Imposing."

"Idiot."

"Super rookie." Sendoh muttered, chuckling, amused to see Rukawa annoyed.

"Shut. Up."

"…but I still win in the end." An empty paper cup, flew across Sendoh; he tried to duck but to no avail. He laughed at the sudden display of childishness. "H-hey, Rukawa-kun!" His voice—it seemed sincere. Rukawa gasped a bit and looked away.

Thump. Thump. Rukawa felt his ears burn as he glared at the grinning spiky-haired. "Moron. I'll beat you. I'll beat you one day. You'll see." Rukawa almost seethed. Sendoh smiled. "Yeah, I'm sure you will."

"Well, wanted to talk about something?" Sendoh grinned. Rukawa felt suddenly nervous. And the main topic has been returned. It was one of the weirdest evenings. Rukawa sought out the exit as he decided that maybe tonight isn't the night at all. Silence.

Sendoh sat there, unminding of the time. It was—one of those unexpected nights. Its not bizarre, but it is strange, a bit, he thought. He and Rukawa… well, he's been sort of friends with the Shohoku rookie; and his familiarity is something Sendoh thought of as very much welcoming.

But that night—Sendoh thought Rukawa is acting a bit strange. Oh well, must be the alcohol. The younger seemed to have tanked himself up anyway. He saw his phone blinking and moving on the table. Rukawa, too, saw his phone ringing. Sendoh grabbed his phone and stared. Rukawa's eyes were unreadable, but Sendoh can see that the younger player might want to hit the sheets soon.

"Uh. One moment." Sendoh muttered as he pushed back and stood up, walking a few steps away as he talked on his phone. Rukawa tried to ignore, after all its not his business anyway. But, of course, just like any other person—he wondered who could it be.

Rukawa decided to cut off his plan. Nope. Not tonight. Maybe he can try next week. He'd gobble up a truck of alcohol, Jaeger, Whiskey, or whatever there is and maybe do it. He yawned, feeling his temples throbbed a bit, he placed a palm on top of his face. Finalizing on his resolve to end the night and maybe try again another day, he pushed himself up and started dragging his feet towards his bike.

Sendoh saw Rukawa moved on the corner of his eye, but he is still on the phone. "Yeah. I'm sorry. I… a birthday party. Yeah. I know…" He muttered lowly, putting his left hand on his hip and staring down on the ground, hearing someone else's voice but not quite reaching him.

Rukawa lifted his bike and started wheeling it on the cement. He hopped on and carrying with him the fatigue and a private emotion he thought he would be getting off of his chest that evening, he started pedaling away.

"Rukawa."

Damn it. Rukawa pause, setting a foot down, letting Sendoh catch up to him. The taller, pocketing his phone.

"You're leaving…"

"Aa."

"Sorry about that, its… personal."

"Hm." Rukawa nodded. Wondering what personal almost meant, but his lightheadedness and indecisiveness outweighed his decisions that evening. Rukawa absentmindedly stared to his right, only then he saw the vast body of water and the soft splashing of waves as it hits the shore.

"Sendoh…"

"Yeah…?" Sendoh muttered lowly, wondering why the sudden stillness of the night got him. It was almost beckoning him to listen. But it worries him—he never once, heard this side of Rukawa wanting to tell him of something. And while he deemed of it as refreshing, Sendoh is left to wonder. He leaned back on the cemented bench wall, an easy smile on his lips as the lone moon provided them with a subtle low light.

Rukawa heaved a sigh and felt his hand gripped his bike. He turned his stare to Sendoh. "I…"

Sendoh remained staring, an easy smile on his lips. Rukawa felt his chest skipped. He is suddenly chickening out. He held tighter on his bike.

"I… like…" He cleared his throat.

"…"

"I like…"

Sendoh blinked, furrowed his brows a bit and tilted his head. "Uh?"

Rukawa's anxiety grew by the minute. Simultaneously, he felt his apprehension building up. He cleared his throat and tried again. "I think I like y…"

"Rukawa, what are you-?" Sendoh could barely make Rukawa's words and so he took a step forward, panicking Rukawa. The space between them diminished by half an arm's length.

"I said I like your—shirt." Rukawa answered fast; stammered like a nitwit. Sendoh blinked, stopped and gape a bit. Rukawa's eyes widened at his own stupid realization. WHAAATTT?! NOOOO!

Silence.

Rukawa's eyes stared blankly at Sendoh's shirt, feeling the beating of his chest and the slowly sinking of reality that dawned unto him. He felt his fist clenched. And then the soft chuckle. He looked up and saw Sendoh leaning back a bit, chortling softly. Rukawa is left to gape, only then his reverie broke when he felt Sendoh's hand playfully ruffling his hair.

"Hahaha, you're drunk Rukawa. You better get home and rest." A pause. Rukawa tried to get away from the hand. Sendoh stood there, eyes cheery, still grinning like an idiot. He looked down at his own shirt and held on its hem.

"What's your size anyway, I'll get you one on your birthday." He grinned.

"Doaho, I didn't-?!" Rukawa snorted, scratched his burning face red and scoffed.

"Rukawa. You looked cute." Sendoh backed a bit, laughing when Rukawa hopped off his bike and bumped him with its front wheel.

"C'mon man… what's your problem." Sendoh stated, chuckling a bit while wiping the tears in his eyes. "You invited me to hang out only to say that you liked my shirt, you're a funny guy after all, Rukawa-kun." He grinned.

"That is not why I came here for-?!"

"Then what is?"

"A- I…?!" And the chicken grew once more… the feeling that is. "Forget it." He muttered and kicked the metal stand off to start pedaling to Sendoh's surprise.

"Oi, Rukawa!" Sendoh called out. Rukawa paid no heed as he pedaled away from Sendoh, gripping harder on the bike as he berated himself again and again. Damn it, damn it, damn it! You're a coward! Fucking coward! Who cares if he says no?! I'm fucking ready anyway, man up, you… you…

And what do you mean by you liked his shirt?! You don't like his shirt?! It's just a stupid shirt! Damn it!

Rukawa pedaled faster that night. Unable to admit. He wondered if there's going to be a second chance, moreover, he wondered if Sendoh would even bother to coerced him—and if the older does, will he be able to admit this time?

XXX

A week after the party…

Mitsui's party proved to be an event that seemed to go on like forever. Luckily for him, the two teams decided not to upload any pictures that night in the spirit of fairness, and just contented themselves with posting all the stuff in their own group chat.

Homeroom. Friday. Rukawa nuzzled his head on his forearm as he waits for the bell to ring. Aware of the numerous notifications and mentions of his name in their group chat, he paid no heed to them all even though the redhead can quite trigger him.

Another ding on his phone and he snorted. Probably another glorious edit of him dressed as a school girl. Another ding. And another. Rukawa clenched his fist, annoyed at Sakuragi who keeps mentioning him as 'Sharotto' (Charlotte) and saying stupid things.

He lifts up his head and opened his phone. Instantly pressed reply button without even bothering to see who it was.

Fuck off, Kuwabara.

Nope. Its Sandy.

Good afternoon to you too, Charlotte. LOL.

Sandy? Isnt the protagonist's love interest in the series? Or maybe not. Rukawa almost felt his ears burned and cursed. Stupid. He muttered inwardly, letting his thoughts take over him like a high school girl. Pah!

The reply alerted him as he pressed the whole icon open and was mortified to see Sendoh's name. He spent a few minutes staring at his phone. It wasn't a group message. It's a personal message.

Rukawa. You free later? Wanna play?

1on1, same place?

Rukawa kept staring as the messages came up. It was a no-brainer. Usually, he'd press the thumbs up button and go back to sleep but somehow, he didn't know what to do. Its been a week since the party and truth is, he could only wish Sendoh has forgotten that night when he almost admit his feelings to the older guy.

It was a resolve he wasn't able to bring forth. And while he still wants to let the cat out of the bag, he decided it would have to wait, yet again for the time being.

Bring it on, Spica.

À plùs tard, Charlotte.

Idiot.

=D

XXX

Rukawa hopped off his bike and let it tumbled on the ground. He yawned as he lazily walked towards the familiar court and placed his bag on the stone bench. He looked at his watch and saw that he's ten minutes early. He checked his phone and saw no new messages. For a while he wondered if he should inform the older of his arrival. But… why would he in the first place?

Casting his thoughts aside, he decided to focus his attention on today's game and made a small resolution. This is it. No turning back. If I lose, I'd tell him. If I win— its forgotten. No more. Not ever. Rukawa sealed his tenacity on that particular afternoon, and made up his mind—only focusing of course, on winning this time.

Sendoh arrived, his usual demeanor and aura—undaunted. Unsuspecting. A small smile on his lips. He took off his duffel bag around him and nodded.

"Hey."

"Hn." Rukawa muttered. Sendoh chuckled. "Snob. How's your week?" Sendoh started, zipping his bag open to change into something more comfortable. Rukawa came in wearing their PE shirt and black joggers.

"Seen the pictures? Group chat's been crazy." Sendoh continued, unbuttoning his polo shirt. Rukawa simply scoffed, and shrugged. "Whatever."

Sendoh simply chuckled, used to Rukawa's uptightness. Done changing, he grabbed his ball and bounced it on the concrete. Rukawa instantly put on his game-face on. Sendoh bounced the ball, eyeing his opponent. He walked towards the center, scratching his nape as the other hand continued bouncing. The silence went on as the two of them faced each other once more in a game they both knew so well.

Rukawa kept his focus on, noting at the back of his mind the stake of this game, at least to himself only. Sendoh bent low and started his stance and in a swift and turning motion sped fast him and jump on the line. The ball went in. Crazy how the ball seems to favor Sendoh, it always sinks in.

"Whohoo!" Sendoh cheered, eyes smiling as he chuckled. Rukawa wasn't ready. "Hey!" He muttered.

"What?"

"Unfair."

"No way. Haha… C'mon now, your turn." Sendoh stated, throwing the ball right back at Rukawa who's annoyed because he lost the chance to block or stop Sendoh. He dribbled, run forwards a bit alerting the taller guy and randomly fired a long range. Sendoh gasped as he looked back.

Rukawa knew. The ball bounced and went off. To his horror. SHIT! Sendoh run, grabbed the orange ball and chuckled. Rukawa twitched his lips.

"Rushing there, Charlotte?"

"Stop calling me that."

"What were you thinking throwing off the ball like that?"

"Beating your sorry ass."

"Hahah! I know but—you could have drive past me and do a clean layup instead—or pull a jumper on the sidelines…"

"Are you done talking, mister department of explanation?" Rukawa seethed, annoyed that Sendoh had to elucidate his faulty attempt of a three-point shot. Sendoh blinked—then laugh. He dropped the ball and clapped. Rukawa sure knows how to pull off snide remarks and he thought… the younger looked cute alright.

"What the hell?" Rukawa glowered but caught surprised when Sendoh extend a hand and ruffled his hair. He tried to ducked but failed. He felt his ears burned though.

"Alright then…" Sendoh started. Dribbling the ball faster he bounced the leather in between his legs and dashed, but Rukawa is more alert now, a few more seconds of fancy dribbling and defending and Sendoh pressed harder, colliding onto Rukawa but his right hand perfectly tossing the ball, sending it rotating into the basket. Needless to say, the ball went in like added insult.

"Tc." No! NO! This cant be!

"Aw, it went it. Tried hard not to but…" Sendoh trailed off but laughed immensely when the orange ball was thrown almost at his face. Rukawa scoffed but the glare in his eyes is evident that it is indeed time to get serious. Sendoh shook his head, dribbled twice before passing onto the younger.

The game went on.

XXX

Rukawa sat there on then bench, drinking his Gatorade, eyes staring straight ahead. He cant remember how many times he cursed in his mind but his loss that day is like a test he didn't study for. It was a close game after all, he knew he played well but—he just didn't know if Sendoh is that of a genius, or maybe he is just literally not that skilled to beat the older guy.

He gripped his bottle hard, denting it a bit. Damn it! Damn it! And to think that he has gone to an All-Japan camp; it is insulting. He scoffed, grabbing his bag, zipping it open and staring inside at nothing in particular. What now? He lost the game. And he did say to himself that if he loses, he'll…

"Great game."

"Don't start."

Sendoh chuckled, amused at Rukawa's unpleasant remark. "Fine... sorry."

Rukawa blinked, looking to his right, seeing Sendoh all cleaned, packed-up and ready to go. While he—well, he just let his sweat dried up a bit. He knew he smelled a bit too, but… who cares. Shrugging, he closed his bag and stood up silently. He could try again next week, maybe he'd win then.

Sendoh stared at the suddenly quiet Rukawa, eyeing the younger with speculating eyes. Rukawa seemed- off? Knowing the ace player of Shohoku for some time now, Sendoh can somewhat discern if a loss is bothering Rukawa or something else. He just didn't want to seem presumptuous but he thought it maybe the latter.

"You okay?"

"Hn." Rukawa answered with a snort, feeling his eyes instantly heavy after the game. He checked his phone and saw that its almost six pm again. He looked up at the sky and saw a play of blue and orange strokes. The setting rays of the sun mixing with the blue sky up above; a few scattered clouds decorating the heavens like splutters of white paint.

And in that given moment, he was recapped. There was something in the air that reminded him of his feelings. He felt the corner of his lips tugged up a bit. His so-called feelings of the heart.

Sendoh approached the latter and placed his bag on the bench. He sat down and stared to his left; a standing Rukawa as the younger gaze above. His eyes began tracing Rukawa's pointed nose… the small-puckered lips, his small chin, his soft-defined jawline to his ears down to his…

Sendoh gasped, surprised at his own actions. He cleared his throat and felt his brows furrowed. What the hell… He muttered under his breath. He was alerted when Rukawa started gathering his things. He stared at the younger player as he tucked and zipped everything in his duffel bag.

"Hey Rukawa…"

The rookie paused in his actions, his eyes peering right under his fringes. Sendoh heaved a sigh and leaned forward, his eyes still glued to his companion. He smiled though.

"I know we're not super close but—if there's something you need to talk about… I'm here to listen." Sendoh state good naturedly. Rukawa blinked, surprised at Sendoh's statement. He sat down. It almost made him want to literally say something. Dare he say it?

Rukawa snorted. Sendoh stared at the blue-eyed player from Shohoku. He wondered what to say since he said he'll be there to listen just in case.

"I hope you don't allow things to be awkward between us…"

Sendoh blinked. Wh- what's that? He was a bit surprise to hear Rukawa speak—like more than just two words.

Rukawa dumped a sigh and clenched his left fist, the side that Sendoh doesn't see. And in that moment, he told him about the so-called feelings of the heart; how every heart is much like the sea. Everyone has their own storms and their own tides, and that in its depths, a man's heart has its own pearls too.

Sendoh sat there, feeling surprised and very much in awe. He never knew. He never expected. He felt his head bowed down, a smile on his lips, his eyes in front of him. Rukawa… likes him? He just confessed his feelings. Sendoh didn't understand why it almost made his chest skipped a beat.

He isn't mad—or feeling disgusted. He was just speechless, and partially confused at that time. But the one nagging feeling that dawned unto him was that—why didn't Rukawa tell him earlier on? He scoffed to himself, once again muddled at his own train of thoughts.

He nodded slowly, unable to meet the eyes of his companion. He stood up, grabbed his bag and clutched it to himself. He turned the other way and started walking, but his feet remained heavy; dragging them as if shackled by invisible chains. He paused when he senses Rukawa remained unmoving in his seat.

Sendoh turned and eyed the lanky figure. He almost gasped when Rukawa turned at him.

"Sorry to put one more thing in your mind…" Rukawa muttered lowly. He stood up, grabbed his bag and started the opposite way.

Sendoh had no time to think. "Rukawa—wait." But Rukawa went ahead. It was liberating, being able to tell someone of your feelings, but then, one part of him reeks of tragedy as well; like how Sendoh made love seem like it was made for him, only to feel but not to keep.

"Rukawa." Sendoh mustered all his guts not to reach for the raven-haired boy but he couldn't stop himself; he grabbed an arm to Rukawa's susprised. Sendoh immediately took off his hand and backed two steps, missing the confused look on Rukawa's eyes.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean…"

"Don't worry…"

Sendoh shot up a stare. Rukawa snorted and felt his lips tugged up. "I'm not going to cry or kill myself."

"…"

"I just want you to… know." Of course. I knew it. You don't feel the same way. I've always known. Still, why the fuck did I even lingered into hoping. Fuck. Rukawa swallowed, trying to stay alive in his own wallowing thoughts. It was bad, this word, hope. Its like an oxygen, giving you air for a while as you gasp, only to kill you in the end.

This silly confession of his, he probably wouldn't be forgetting it for a while. And while its true that he never expected anything in return, the one thing he never predicted was… it partly hurt.

Rukawa slowly pocketed his hands and stared at the far horizon—where he can see the sun's rays against the sky. "I'm going to be fine."

Sendoh kept his mouth shut, feeling his right fist balled up, digging into his palms. He was too overwhelmed to absorb his current situation, but he never wanted to lie to Rukawa. The younger guy took on all of his guts and glory to admit something and Sendoh ever wondered… if he even has the courage to do what Rukawa just did. Damn it. I am so…

"I'm in a relationship, Rukawa." Sendoh muttered, eyes toning down as if feeling sorry; he just didn't know if he's feeling sorry for Rukawa or for him for not picking up the signs… nonetheless, he found himself pocketing his hands, finally able to let go of that breath he has been holding on. Rukawa nodded, understanding the implications.

"I…. I have a girlfriend." Sendoh muttered under his breath, so soft he almost wondered why he regretted saying it.

"Of course." Rukawa muttered back, nodding, a small smile on his lips, his eyes distant and oddly warm Sendoh almost had the urge to… put his arms around him. He swallowed; his mind, at war. It was a hard battle between what he knew and what he felt.

"I hope you're not mad at me." Sendoh muttered.

"That's supposed to be my line, doaho."

Sendoh snorted, smiling a bit, as their eyes met briefly and silence steps in.

"Thank you." Rukawa finally said, and with his eyes finally staring at the taller person, Rukawa made his final nod and turned his heels the opposite way. And in that moment, he reminded himself that he'd forget the day and that he'll go on and survive.

In time, he'll be able to find a way to pick up the pieces and move on; as for Sendoh, he was left there, standing, to linger. He never quite understood why he felt that it was the first time he went home feeling tired and empty.

SEVENTEEN YEARS LATER…

May 20XX, Tokyo, 6:30 am, Monday

Alarm clock incessant ringing. A hand landed atop its button, shushing it to a stop. Rukawa Kaede opened his eyes and groaned. He stared once more at the wall clock and furrowed his brows. What is it that is so important again this day that he needs to wake up this early?

OH SHIIITTT!

Remembering what day is today, he jumped out of the bed, pressed the remote to his speaker for some random noise/music, clad only under his boxers and rushed into the toilet.

I was into you, but I'm over it now

And I was tryin' to be nice

But nothing's getting through, so let me spell it out…

Today is his interview for a new job he applied for! Damn it! He was so used at his previous job, having their own time, they could time in whenever as long as they complete an 8-hour work.

Ten minutes after, Rukawa rushed out of the toilet, and hopped and skipped as he rummages into his closet, looking for the proper suit to put on. Checking on two, three polo shirts and two pants, he settled for muted colors; rushing… rushing.

He faced himself on the mirror, brushing up his unruly hair, scoffing when his stubborn locks won't be kept in place. He opened his small cupboard, put on a mild musk scent and grabbed his watch and black bag and soon was locking his own apartment he just settled in a few months ago and found himself walking briskly to the train station.

He cursed, glancing at the time. Soon enough, the true battle begins. Tokyo Station is a warzone and every morning everyone has to put on their warrior side on. And so, Rukawa braved the long queue lines as the people tried to squeeze and somewhat pushed themselves into the train. Battle mode: ON.

"Oomff!"

"Oh hey!"

"Watch it!"

"PuuussshhH!"

"Stop fucking pushing!"

"Next train, next train!"

"…"

Rukawa rolled his eyes but for some reason, he was able to squeeze himself in and lucky for him he found a corner—he is also somewhat tall, seeing all eyes turned at him. And he hated every moment of it. Fuck! Just fuck this. I should get a car soon.

And the day started once again… on that Monday. Rukawa fished for his earbuds and placed them in his ear, relieved to be lost again in his world. Soon after, the train passed by the familiar stations—losing and gaining a few passengers ahead.

Rukawa kept his eyes fixed outside, passing by buildings, familiar roads, business areas, hospitals, malls, and other establishments, letting his ear be serenaded by some random song he has never heard of…

But now, we're only gettin' older

I wish somebody would've told us

That we're not kids anymore…

Rukawa felt his phone vibrate. It was a message, a reminder actually of his interview at 7:45. He acknowledge the message and pressed send. He heaves a sigh and seeing a vacant spot, sat down even though he only has two more stations left. He browses his phone and found himself looking into affordable vehicles he could get on. He saw a red sedan and wondered…

XXX

Rukawa alighted the train and walked about 500 meters arriving at the institution he would be applying. Seeing he still has a few more minutes to spare, he took in the moment to stare at the vast expanse of the building. It was painted in taupe and gray and white accents. His eyes lingered at the well-maintained lawn. The sprinklers were on the steel black gate to his left opened as few cars went in and outside the building.

He saw the entrance gate and immediately walked right there, presenting his ID. Soon enough, he found himself walking the white-colored halls of the building, seeing row and row of small windows, doors, and offices.

He paused when his eyes saw the door he's been looking for. Human Resources Dept. He sat down an empty bench and straightened up his suit and tie, clearing his throat, hoping he doesn't look and smell like he's just won a battle at Tokyo station. He clutched his bag and opened it, checking if he has all his credentials ready.

A few uniformed students walked past by him, giggling and when he raised his eyes, they all scuffled away. Rukawa blinked his eyes, eyeing the three students… and in that moment, his mind wondered.

Am I really… ready for this?

The door opened; a middle-aged woman peeped in. "Rukawa Kaede-san?"

Rukawa nodded, standing up as he was asked to come in. "Ohayo gozaimasu." He greeted with a bow. The woman smiled a bit, nodded back and ushered him to go inside.

"Good morning, Rukawa-san, the principal has been expecting you."

And with one last nod, Rukawa stared at the closed brown door with the name Watanabe JP etched on a brass plate. He heaved a sigh and step right in front, held the knob, twist and pushed the door open.

"Good morning…" Rukawa muttered.

"Oh, come on in, Rukawa-san… welcome to Sunnybrook Middle School, please, have a seat."

Rukawa closed the door behind him and bowed, and did one more thing he never thought he would do in all of his life—he smiled. The principal stood and smiled back, pleased that his new teacher is quite the looker. She is sure that he'll be a famous middle school educator. "I'm sure you'll enjoy teaching here, sensei…"

"Hai…"

"So, you're an English major…"

"Um, yes." A smile and nod.

The principal chuckled amusingly. "Ohohoho, I hope you're ready to be with us sensei…"

"Of course, madame principal."

The principal grinned. "Wonderful… and I also hope you're single, sensei…" She laughed, waving her hands carefreely. "I'm kidding, ohoho!"

Rukawa felt his ears warmed a bit. Here we go again. He cleared his throat and stared at nothing in particular, as if suddenly remembering a distant memory-of fun, with friends and silly games and alcohol... of that one afternoon where he sat and poured out his emotions to a certain person, this so-called feelings of the heart, but not quite having full retention of it.

"Rukawa-sensei?"

"H-Hai?" Rukawa woke up of his reverie and nodded when he heard his name being called.

"Are you okay, sensei?" A smile from the principal.

And despite all the years that went by on one corner of his mind, this, he is certain, that each chapter of our lives requests an old part of us to fall and a new part of us to rise. He smiled back and nodded.

"I am."

XXX

END (?)

Note: Yay! That's it. I am still thinking if I should write up Sendoh's 17years after as well, hehe! This is in no way super connected to Teacher RuRu. But, it kinds of overlaps/ precedes it in a way; (whatever that means, lol) I hope you enjoyed reading this. Cant say, I hope you loved it, because, its not the usual fanfic ending… but, this has been my original idea from the beginning. So, that's it. Just happy to have finished (?) it.

Songs: We're Not Kids Anymore- Cat Burns/ ABCDEFU- Gayle

XXX