*Slowly peaks…* Oh, hi… its me, I'm alive! Dont light a candle on me yet. I'm an evil person. I wont die easily, lol. Didn't take four years. Lol. Kidding. Taa-daa. An update to the first fic I have ever written. It has aged, I have aged… the readers, too. Many left, a handful stayed. For that, I remain grateful. (T.T)
To: Rola/Rxs94 (from Insta); thank you, here it is, finally. Hope you liked it. Its been so long, thank you. Flierworks, thank you for the pm & for the 'advice'; & to AddictedtoSD, its always been awhile when it comes to me and my fics. Especially, THIS ONE! Lol. I don't have much to say—just sorry I guess, and thank you for keeping up with this. As promise, I will be finishing this. Comment or no comments, readers or no readers. -_-
Chapter 23- When in Osaka
XXX
Shohoku High, December, (one week before Christmas)
Haruko glanced at her watch—it read 6:45 AM. She's not yet late, in fact there's still about fifteen minutes more before the bell rings. She smiles to herself and hurriedly changed into her indoor school shoes, stuffing her brown leather shoes in her shoe locker. Gathering up her coat and scarf, she bent down further to picked up a large paper bag.
"Ohayo." A low voice muttered.
Haruko, partly looking, nodded and smiled. "Ah… ohayo, Rukawa-kun." Silence. Then she paused. Blinked. Then straightened up, face burning up she found herself gaping a bit, hands on her mouth, she was left gaping, stupefied. Ru-Rukawa-kun…greeted me?!
Seeing the tall, lanky figure ascending the stairs, Haruko, being suddenly awaken in her reverie, rushed to catch up with the aloof player.
"Rukawa-kun!" She muttered. She was more than surprised when the small forward paused in his step and looked back at her. Haruko wondered if she was dreaming or even yet… just having a nightmare. Either way, she hopes she wouldn't wake up too soon. "Uh- anou." She struggled to look for her words. Rukawa remained staring. "I- I mean… I guess, I'm just surprised. You're early, today." She tried to smile.
Rukawa simply nodded and to further kill Haruko, lifted his hand holding what seemed like a folder. "Ah. Passing these today." He muttered. Silence. Haruko blinked, nodded. "See you." And Rukawa marched his own way leaving a daydreaming Haruko behind. S-see you? See… see me?! Kyaah! Rukawa-kun. Then she felt her shoulders slumped—remembering that Rukawa already has someone. I almost forgot, Sendoh-kun.
XXX
1-10, Shohoku 8:45 am
Rukawa tapped his pencil, eyeing the piece of paper atop his table. It was the take-home assignment they had just before having the camp practice in Osaka. Since it's the last week of classes before Christmas break, formal classes have been literally 'canceled' and only those with outstanding requirements (such as them, the basketball team and the other players of the campus) are expected to pass their take-home activities.
Rukawa discreetly scanned his eyes in his own classroom—everyone seemed chill. His classmates were chatting, laughing. Some are busy making the decorations for their booth. Their class adviser has been going in and out of the room, the class president taking over the groups; everyone literally is already wearing the spirit of Christmas with them.
He scoffed softly and tried to focus on the final activity he has—an English assignment. He never liked the subject and wondered if he'll need it in the future. Its not like he'll become a teacher. He snorted at the idea of teaching—imagining a bit; him, standing in front, talking with high school kids—giving advises? Ch. Not in a million years probably.
He tapped one last time and decided to answer the questions. Not minding if he got the questions wrong.
He felt his phone vibrated and instantly his eyes stared at the screen. A mail. He tapped his screen open and blinked. Hi, can I call you? =) -A.S
Rukawa stared at his phone. Sendoh. Call? Why? And because he is Rukawa Kaede, he answered the mail the Rukawa-way.
Why? An abrupt answer surprised Rukawa.
What do you mean by why? :D -A.S
Rukawa frowned. Shaking his head, he decided to get back to answering his paper. But, Sendoh is the type that doesn't really take no for an answer. Rukawa almost tossed his pencil when his phone rang. He gasped, and stared incredulously at the screen. Sendoh Akira calling. He grabbed his pencil and almost hesitated but answered the call nonetheless.
"He—hello." Rukawa muttered lowly, eyes hovering above his paper, playing the pencil with his right finger. A soft chuckle. "Hey, where are you?" Rukawa snorted. "What?"
Sendoh scoffed a bit. "What do you mean by what?" Sendoh chortled a bit. It sure is a bit hard to have a dense lover. Rukawa scoffed. "What do you… why'd you call?"
"Um. Because I just want to check on you?"
"Doaho."
A chuckle. "Ch, because, I'm your boyfriend—remember?" A pause. "You know, lover?"
The last statement got him—feeling blood creeping in his ears. "Ch, whatever." He snorted. Sendoh laughed on the other line. "Finally sinking in." A pause. "What, you thought, I'm just that guy from Osaka, huh?" Rukawa snorted—more like he found himself chuckling a bit. Sendoh snorted. "So, what are you doing?"
Rukawa heaved a sigh and shrugged, not like Sendoh can see. "Assignment." He muttered lowly. He heard Sendoh spoke randomly to whoever on the other line but he didn't mind. "Oh, so you're busy. Sorry to bother you."
Rukawa gripped his pencil, well, Sendoh is not really bothering him—the least. "Its… okay." He answered.
Rukawa bested another few minutes of Sendoh talking about random matters—Ryonan mostly, their own school activities and the whatnots, and of course, their stay in Osaka, the basketball camp that actually started and led to where they both are now.
"Can I call you later?" Rukawa muttered. Sendoh paused. "You can call me whenever. Why?" He grinned on the other line. Rukawa shook his head, eyes outside the corridor. "I just saw my English teacher and I need to pass this assignment."
"Yeah, sure." Silence. Rukawa nodded. "Alright." He heard Sendoh chuckled a bit on the other line. "Bye and… I miss you; you know."
"Ch." Dial tone. Rukawa pressed the red button and stared a bit on the phone. Well, Sendoh sure is very expressive in his feelings and its not like it bothers him, deep inside, Rukawa wished, he knew how to, as well. Rukawa stood up and placed his papers in the folder and walked briskly to follow his teacher.
XXX
Ryonan, 9:00 AM
Sendoh stared upfront, lips in a smile as he played with mobile phone with three fingers. "I'd be damned, ugh. What is that look." Koshino started, sitting on the empty chair beside his teammate and Ryonan's new Captain. Koshino yawned, stretching his legs and staring at the gloomy winter skies. While most people loved the winter, truth is, its abhorring! Gloomy skies, cold mornings, flurries… true, it's the cuddle weather, but its also a weather that encourages laziness.
"Damn, its cold outside." He muttered. Sendoh simply nodded, eyes still a bit in dazed. Koshino snorted and snapped his fingers in front of Sendoh. "Oh, Kosh." He finally muttered. The shorted scoffed. "Jesus, Sendoh… quit daydreaming around. Called him, huh?"
Sendoh grinned and nodded. "Yeah. Just said hi." Koshino twitched his lips, not believing his colleague. Sendoh stretched his long legs and yawned, too.
"Did he meet your brother?" Koshino suddenly asks. Sendoh nodded. "Yeah. Yesterday."
"Oh, and?" Koshino prodded, straightening a bit and leaning closer. Sendoh scoffed. "Well, it's the typical aniki, this is Rukawa Kaede and vice versa." Koshino snorted. "Ch, and here I thought you properly introduced him as your… erm." Koshino cleared his throat. "You know…" Sendoh shrugged. "I haven't." A pause. Sendoh blinked, his mind wandering off last night's event—Rukawa and his father. He never thought he'd see the day he'd meet the father of his lover.
Its not like he didn't want to, its just…too soon. Sendoh pondered how Rukawa and his dad looked a bit alike but he probably got most of his striking features from his mother. And he can tell, remembering the night he and Rukawa rode that ferris wheel—there was something in Rukawa's words and tone, the manner to which he spoke about his father.
They seemed estranged. And it bothered him, a bit. He secretly wished Rukawa and his father would soon be in good terms… because, them being good terms would mean an easier life for him—to get to know his beau's patriarchal side and maybe, hopefully, the old man would come into terms regarding their current relationship.
XXX
Shohoku High, 3:15 PM
The students busied themselves that day with the preparations for the school Christmas fair. The grounds are being set up with various booths, food stalls, souvenir shops, and game compartments. Rides were setup and of course, a stage for the different acts/ presentation that would entertain everyone on the last day.
Rukawa kept himself busy by cutting what their class president asked him to. Then, he would be asked sometimes to stick something on the corners or on the walls of their classroom—him, being the tallest in the class gets this job. Their female president approached him, adjusting her glasses. Rukawa paid no heed as he concentrates on one task.
"Rukawa-kun."
Only then he batted an eye. "After that, could you put these garlands atop the board?" She muttered, unflinching. Rukawa simply nodded. One thing he appreciates about his class leader, she doesn't seem the type to fawn under him like the rest of the school. And so, the class tasks continued.
Forty minutes later…
Rukawa patted the last part of garland that he placed atop as some of the students started leaving. They were reminded of the other assignments and activities they still need to accomplish before merrily bombarding the hallways. The bell rang. Dismissal time.
Rukawa gathered his bag, walked out and instantly flashes of camera snuck up behind him once more. He snorted to his annoyance and walked towards his locker.
"Nyahaha!"
Rukawa did not even need to flinch or wonder who would laugh the hell like that. He knew. "The tensai will pass, shoo-shoo!" The halls parted as if the parting of the red sea and instantly, a redhead paused before him. Rukawa exasperatedly slam his locker shut and stared. Sakuragi stood there, grinning. "Teme, the last time I saw something like you, I flushed it."
Some chuckled upon hearing. The girls started their tirade, annoyed at the redhead for insulting their precious 'Rukawa Kaede'. Sakuragi berated back, his fists wailing. "Ch! Idiots! You're all just wasting your battery and memory card on this sickly-looking tapeworm!"
Rukawa snorted, rolled his eyes and started walking away. Cameras continued to snap in all angles, to Sakuragi's annoyance. "Stop! STOOOP! Goddammit, stop iiitt!"
He growled and stomped right behind Rukawa who's feet seemed to dragged him to the one place everyone knows he's fond of. "Rukawa-teme! Where do you think you're going?"
Rukawa glared under his fringe. "None of your concern." Sakuragi paused, leaning on the stair handrails. "Nyaha, I know, I know." The tone got Rukawa as he found himself pausing a bit and letting the redhead catch up with him. The power forward cackled and leaned in closer to annoy his archnemesis.
"I don't get it, what the hell did Sendoh even saw in you for him to be lovestruck—! Fucking Ryonan Ace got no taste!"
"And you, don't you think you need a license to be that ugly?" Rukawa muttered, marching down.
"Come to think of it, the only good that came up with this is- Haruko-chan would surely take a chance on me now. I mean, we've gotten pretty close these past few days. Nyaha." He continued laughing to himself, face flushed and feeling a bit giddy. Rukawa simply snorted. "Haruko. She greeted me good morning a while ago." Rukawa retorted back and walked away.
"Teme Rukawa! How dare you-?! Seriously?! You did not! Teme, come back here! You… double-crossing your kind-hearted lover, eh! OIII!"
As always, they'd exchange their usual repartees but would end up in the same place, the basketball gym.
XXX
Empty. The two players arrived at their bare gym. Not even Akagi, their captain is there with his hands on and his mouth booming with greetings or insults. Sakuragi snorted. "Ch, guess even Gori is not in the mood to practice. Heh." The redhead proceeded, threw his bag and got one ball. He bounced, then run—pulling off a jump shot. The ball went off. He cursed.
Rukawa simply stared, as he, too, stepped inside and started getting his own ball bouncing. Eyeing the redhead as he tries his jump shots, Rukawa contemplated. While practice is deemed of as important for everyone, he guessed its true that recreation is also needed, at least once in awhile.
Sakuragi tried shooting from the side and it went in. The redhead hooted and cackled, amused at his own prowess. "Yossh! Ore wa Tensai! Haha!" He jogged, getting the ball and practiced his dribbling skills. Rukawa threw in one shot behind the farthest line and immediately the ball went in. Sakuragi snorted and ignored him.
A few minutes later.
Rukawa sat down on the bench, not having any snack or drinks with him, he gaze when he saw Sakuragi zipped his own bag, packing his things neatly. The redhead got his jacket and closed it since its under ten degrees outside.
Sakuragi glanced at his own phone for awhile before breaking into a loud laugh. "Nyahaha, I looked good here."
Rukawa rolled his eyes and shook his head. Sakuragi saw that. "Ch, keep rolling your eyes kitsune, perhaps you'll find a brain back there, nyahah!"
"Hn, shut your mouth when you're talking to me, d'aho." He approached the raven-haired player and immediately Sakuragi flashed his screen.
"HAH! See that, its us, the best Kanagawa players in one frame!" A grin. "There's the old bastard of Kainan, pretty boy of Shoyo, the tall tree of Shoyo, the fake-3-pointer of Kainan, me, the Tensai amongst all—hah!" He paused. "…and there's your blind-lovestruck boyfriend which you probably voodooed." He laughed.
Rukawa stared. Indeed—its them; Maki, Fujima, Sakuragi, Hanagata, Jin, and Sendoh. Rukawa wondered when it was taken. Sakuragi menacingly grinned. He took note of the comments below and like. Seems like everyone is engaged in a conversation or whatever. Well, he wouldn't know, he doesn't have any social media.
He snorted and didn't say anything; Rukawa decided to packed as well, zipping up his bag. He was about to stand up and leave when Sakuragi's spirits rose up. "Ah, there you are, Sakuragi-kun!"
"Haruko-chaan!" The redhead treaded, eyes in heart, smiles reaching his both ears. It was their Captain's sister, Haruko. The brown-haired girl noticed him too, she grinned and waved. Sakuragi, obviously annoyed, scowled at the scene.
"Oh- Rukawa-kun, hello!" A smile. Rukawa simply nodded a bit and said nothing. She stepped inside, carrying her bag and a large paper bag and instantly the red head seemed to have forgotten him.
"Hontou ni? Hahahah!" Sakuragi laughed, hands atop his head, his brown eyes focused solely at the person in front of him. "Its true, Sakuragi-kun." Haruko answered back, smiling at the tall player.
Rukawa would have laughed if he was Sakuragi in a way—it's amazing and much more amusing to witness how a brawler like Sakuragi could turn into someone that's like been struck by a hundred arrows by cupid. He's freaking obvious and the girl is…
Rukawa wondered if Haruko ever knew the feelings of his teammate. He found himself gaping a bit, surprised at himself for being ever suddenly aware of these seemingly trivial emotions. Its surprising how an emotion or feeling can change us—days are longer, and words means more. Rukawa felt himself grip his bag as he decided to exit the gym.
"A-anou, Rukawa-kun, wait." Haruko suddenly called, seeing him walking by them. Sakuragi squinted his eyes. Haruko grinned when Rukawa paused. She bent down and seemingly rummaged into her paper bag. Sakuragi stared. "Ha-Haruko-chan, nani yo?"
"There! Thought I left it." She chuckled to herself. It was a small item, wrapped in a colorful paper. Haruko approached Rukawa and handed it to him. Rukawa blinked, wondering. He remembered receiving something from her already.
"Uh, I honestly don't know how to give this to him so—I thought you could do that for me." She grinned, face a bit flushed. "Also, I have no idea what Sendoh-kun likes so, its just a random item." A smile.
Oh. Its for Sendoh. Rukawa blinked—nodding he almost hastily got the item. Sakuragi fumed. "Teme! Don't you dare touch her; your hands are dirty kitsune!"
"Sakuragi-kun?!"
Rukawa stared as the two exited the premises of the school. Sakuragi is hollering how Haruko is going to accompany him shop for gifts. Gift. Present. Rukawa was taken a bit back, he hasn't got Sendoh anything yet. Its not like he's the type to be shopping for gifts and giving them but, maybe, this year is a bit different since he and Sendoh are already…
He paused in his thoughts, feeling the small brown paper in his other hand. He momentarily stared at it and wondered what Haruko might have gotten his older lover from Ryonan. Curious as he may, he's not the type to peek. He stuffed the small bag into his bag and walked to where his bike is parked. Seeing that there's only a few of them that's got their bike still chained, he bent down and released the lock.
Pulling his black coat to himself, he shivered a bit, feeling the 10 degrees. He held on his bike handle and felt cold; he forgot his gloves. Rukawa rubbed his palms against his coat and wheeled his bike to the exit.
Gift. His mind suddenly wondered as to what he's going to get for Sendoh. He never had the opportunity to asked him of anything he'd like. If he were a random teammate, he would have given him anything but—well, he is not just a teammate. Nor an acquaintance. Or a friend. Rukawa twitched his lips, finding it a bit hard to be finally… committed. Not that he's complaining.
He hopped on his bike, stepping down a foot on one side when he heard his phone rang. He stared at the screen and—speaking of the older…
He said he'd call but he forgot. "Hello?" Rukawa muttered. "Kaede." Sendoh started. "Hey… thought you'd call."
Rukawa nodded. "Yeah, sorry… I forgot." He heard a soft chuckle. Its amusing to hear Rukawa apologising for something personal. Sendoh knew he has come a long way, and it was worth it. "You forgot to call or you forgot you already have a boyfriend?" A chuckle.
Rukawa twitched his lips, deciding to humor himself. "The latter. Who are you again, anyway?" Sendoh laughed, amused at his younger beau. "Oh, no one important. Just the guy from Osaka. Your roommate." Rukawa snorted softly but his ears were oddly warm. "So, aren't you cold yet on your eastern the boss bmx bike?" Sendoh joked on the other line.
Rukawa gape, surprised. He looked at his celphone (rather stupidly) and placed it again on his ear. He heard Sendoh chuckling. "How did you…" Rukawa started when Sendoh beat him to it.
"Jeesh, turn around, Kaede."
And as instructed, Rukawa turned around. Nothing. Just Shohoku's entrance, a bus shed on the other end, a few students walking, waiting around. Some parked random vehicles. Rukawa snorted, taking in Sendoh's mischief. "Doaho. What are you…"
"Turn around Kaede, sorry-again."
Rukawa felt like he's being played. And for the second time, he turned around and was a bit baffled when one parked vehicle flashed its headlights. Rukawa wondered.
"Its me, Kaede. The white car." Sendoh muttered. Well, Rukawa would never admit but, it made his chest raced a bit.
Rukawa slowly approached the white vehicle not far from the bus shed, eyes a bit cautious (just in case he got the wrong car) His lips twitched when the door opened to the driver's seat. Sendoh Akira. A smiling Sendoh Akira. Rukawa stood there, eyeing the person he's been talking to and the parked vehicle. Sendoh grinned and walked around. Donned in a navy-blue parka, he approached the still-standing younger.
Rukawa was about to say something when he was taken aback. Sendoh just hugged him. And, well, he couldn't hug back because both of his hands were on his bike. But more than the hug, he was partially unprepared when Sendoh cupped one side of his face and kissed him. An act—something so small but can be everlasting, something minute yet you'd spend days waiting for.
Rukawa's mind reminded him that they're still within the school's perimeter and so before getting further lost in the moment, he had the awareness to bump his bike on Sendoh's legs. It worked though. Rukawa had to placed a hand on his face—quite a bit flushed from the act moments ago.
"D-doaho." He can only mutter. Sendoh had to backed a bit, snickering to himself a bit. "Sorry." A bit embarrassed as well but— he just couldn't help himself. "Its just that—the last time I remember kissing you was inside an elevator." Rukawa snorted, feeling blood creeping on his ears. Apparently, he remembered their tryst inside the elevator—that time when Sendoh openly confessed and said his feelings.
Sendoh stared at the bike. "Uh, this is the bmx bike?" He blinked, not quite expecting the look. Rukawa twitched his lips. "No—this is the pansy bike with the basket. Just what that redhead aho said." Rukawa pointed at the front. Sendoh nodded, remembering that as well, smiling a bit as he got a hold of the bike.
"What are you doing?"
"Getting this inside?" Sendoh answered.
"But—why?" Rukawa asked, a bit confused—he thought he was ready to go home.
Sendoh fought the urge to laugh more. "Uhm, I came here with the intention of asking you out?" He grinned. Rukawa smirked a bit. "Thought you came here with the intention to play with me." Sendoh slyly smiled. "Believe me, my intentions of playing with you, is far different from what you have in mind." Rukawa gape, stupefied a bit, as he felt his face burned red to Sendoh's amusement. "That—hn, idiot." Sendoh could only chuckle. "So, can I ask my beloved for a date?"
"Only if the older of the two treats his beloved with beef ramen."
Sendoh chuckled his acknowledgement and soon enough the two busied themselves placing Rukawa's bike at the back of the car—but the trunk remained opened.
"So, the beloved wants beef ramen, eh."
"Yeah. The beloved wants ramen—and gyoza."
"You forgot one more."
"What's that?"
"Ramen, gyoza… and Akira."
Sendoh had the hardest time driving while chuckling and partly wincing when he was playfully jabbed at the side.
XXX
The mall. The one near Shohoku a bit; a newly-constructed shopping centre and currently the 'it' place to be. Since its December, its packed with shoppers of all sorts. Boutiques, restaurants, and food stalls were brimming with people. Lines were long in some areas and one would expect to meet a familiar face in any minute or so.
It was easy to get lost in the sea of crowd—but because they're both tall, its not that hard. Rukawa was never fond of crowded places, in fact, he seldom goes to these places. He'd rather stay at home, or late in the gym to play and walk probably or stop at a nearby food stall, but not in a place where clamour is inevitable. But not today—beginning today, it'll probably be a different scene. Standing on one corner, observing just the people passed him by, some taking a second look at him, he wondered if ever there will come a day he'd get used to seeing tons of people such as this.
"Sorry."
Rukawa looked up and saw Sendoh approaching. He just went to the nearby washroom while Rukawa waited. The younger simply blinked. "I know you hated these places."
"You knew?"
"Well—yeah. I've always known."
"Really. How so?"
Sendoh grinned and leaned on the metal bar. "Well, isn't it that when you admire someone—you'd want to know their likes and dislikes?" Rukawa snorted and rolled his eyes. Sendoh simply laughed. "Kidding. I've stalked you before but—it was just one time. Asked Hikoichi a bit about you but that was it." Sendoh ended up laughing and wincing playfully when he was jabbed on the side.
"Stalker, huh." A pause. "You looking for something?" Rukawa surprised himself as well for asking. Sendoh nodded, smiling a bit. "Yeah, actually looking to buy something for someone- important." He grinned. Rukawa snorted, but he nodded. "And you need my… opinion?" He was surprised when Sendoh leaned closer. "Maybe, but most importantly, I just need you to be with me." Well, Rukawa was glad he was able to suppress his thumping chest.
XXX
They probably went inside four-five shops but Sendoh wasn't successful. He was getting a bit tired and caught glimpse of the time; 7:45 PM. Not that it matters. He has his bike and he can pedal home—albeit its going to be a bit cold. He stared at his taller beau, hopping from one display to another as he contented himself by sitting on a vacant bench inside the shop, eyes darting wherever once in awhile.
He never thought that Sendoh had the patience and energy to rake through everything. He thought it's a girl's trait. Not the one to assume, he wondered for whom Sendoh is busying himself to finding that gift. Could it be mine? Nah, don't get ahead of yourself, Rukawa. He inwardly mused—but! He suddenly remembered that he, too, needed to find something at least for him.
He contemplated if tonight is a good opportunity. He stared at Sendoh from where he was and wondered—what could this smiling, Ryonan Ace possibly want. A new ball? Shoes? Shirt? Bag? Rukawa dumped all his thoughts away, sensing that Sendoh may possibly have all those already.
He scoffed softly and tried to rock his brains for answers. "Kaede…" Rukawa looked up. Sendoh shrugged, holding out his hand onto Rukawa's elbow, ushering him to get up. "You find anything?" Sendoh shook his head. "You shop like a girl." Rukawa teased. Sendoh shrugged. "At least, I don't look like one." The taller countered, pointing right onto Rukawa's face.
Rukawa batted the hand away to Sendoh's amusement. A few more ins and outs from random shop and they called it quits. Sendoh clacked his tongue. "Damn, tough luck."
"If you're looking something for me—I prefer cash."
Sendoh's laughter echoed within the parking premises. "I wouldn't asked you to come with me if it's for you."
"Sou ka?" Rukawa, too, found himself smiling a bit, his lips tugging upward; unbelieving he was able to blurt it out like that.
"Cash, huh. Says someone who has a Lexus at home."
Rukawa pursed his smile a bit. Sendoh saw that and immediately apologized. "I hope I didn't say something… off." He knew it was a bit insensitive of him, sensing the delicate relationship Rukawa has with his father. The younger shook his head, not wanting to make a big deal out of it. "Its fine. Its true, in a way." A pause. Sendoh wryly smiled, running a hand on his hair. "Yeah, sorry." Rukawa scoffed. "Its not mine anyway. The car, I mean." Silence as they stood beside Sendoh's car.
Rukawa started walking to get his bike behind. Sendoh stared. "Hey, what are you doing?" Rukawa shrugged. "I can pedal from here, so you can go home." Sendoh chuckled and approach the other, pushing him to get inside the vehicle. "Hey, I'm dropping you off."
"B-but…" Rukawa muttered.
"No buts. Just ride." A grin.
XXX
Few words were exchanged as the two drive past freeway and into a residential area. Rukawa is simply looking at the passenger seat, letting his eyes wander around well-lit houses and the finest flurries that has been slowly falling from the darkened sky. He fidgeted on his seat and straightened his legs a bit.
"I know this car is small for both of us." Sendoh said, eyes not leaving the road, but he felt Rukawa shifted form his seat. The younger simply stared to his left, blinked and shrugged. "No, its okay." Sendoh simply smiled and focused on his driving. Rukawa roamed his eyes around Sendoh's vehicle, and not really knowing what to say, decided to just randomly speak.
"Thank you."
Sendoh heard but he couldn't bring his eyes off of the road. "For what?" Rukawa snorted softly. For what, indeed? He is almost compelled to answer he didn't know as well. Mystery of love? He would have punched himself in the face, feeling his ears warmed a bit.
"For…" Rukawa muttered softly.
"Uh, turn right here-?" Sendoh suddenly blurted out. Rukawa looked outside and saw the familiar street of his neighborhood. He nodded and soon enough Sendoh pulled over to one side. He stared at the house on the right; a two storey, detached. It was modern-looking. He smiled to himself. Well, at least now he knows where his younger beau lives. It's a big step towards to having this special relationship with him.
He turned to meet the eyes of Rukawa who was already looking back at him. "You were saying?" Sendoh stated, placing his left arm above the wheel. Rukawa would have darted out of the car because he thought the space between him and Sendoh is almost making him feel a bit… shy.
"I mean… thanks for dropping me by." Rukawa stated. Sendoh blinked, then smiled. Deep inside he wondered if that is what Rukawa truly wanted to say. But he thought, it'll do for now. Rukawa has come a long way but he still feels that the Shohoku rookie seemed to be still trying to come around in terms of his emotions. Still, he cant help but teased the younger.
"Maybe next time you can drop me off?" Sendoh stated with a grin.
"Sure. On my bike?" Rukawa answered. Sendoh simply chuckled and said nothing. It would probably take him a week to go home on Rukawa's bike. They exchange a few more chats, mostly revolving around the upcoming Inter High. After a few minutes, Rukawa decided to got out of the car (so does Sendoh). He pulled and lifted his bike off Sendoh's trunk as the taller raised the trunk up.
"Bring your BMX next time." Sendoh stated, closing the trunk and placing his hands within his jacket. He shuddered a bit, feeling the cold outside.
"Yeah. Sure." Rukawa muttered, smiling a bit, his eyes warm as he tried to balance and adjusted his bike on the ground.
Rukawa walked a few steps then paused, turning around to see Sendoh leaning on his car, arms crossed. For a moment their eyes met, neither one of them saying a word. To Sendoh, it was almost like a feeling of déjà vu; remembering that one particular night in Osaka when they went back to camp from the ferris wheel ride, playing some stupid alphabet game… That particular moment… that night, when he mustered all his guts to actually kissed the younger and stoic player.
It was only when Rukawa started walking away that Sendoh was taken aback. "Uh wait…" He muttered, pushing himself off and striding two steps. Rukawa paused when he was in front of their gate, his both hands wheeling his bike.
"You looked like you were thinking awhile ago." Rukawa uttered monotonously while starting to get his bag from the bike's basket in front. Sendoh scoffed softly. "Yeah, I was…"
"Really."
"Of you, actually."
Rukawa paused, blinked and feeling his ears heat up, snorted. "Doaho." Sendoh laughed. "You better think of something else…" Rukawa added, pulling his backpack while holding the bike with the other hand.
"Like what?"
"Like… getting into the Inter High next year- and maybe not being late." Rukawa stated. Sendoh feigned hurt, rolling his eyes. "Ouch." Rukawa smiled a bit, inwardly congratulating himself for somewhat insulting the older. "I'm… kidding."
It was Sendoh's turn to gloat. "Did I hear it right? You're kidding? Since when?" He chuckled. Rukawa rolled his eyes and snorted. "Fine, your team sucks." Sendoh laughed harder. "Wow, you're rude." They both laughed.
They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Sendoh found himself looking at his watch. He would have loved to stay some more and be with lover but he saw Rukawa yawned twice and it endears him to see the younger trying to stay awake or at least be with him for a few more minutes, under the cold night.
"You should head inside." Sendoh said good-naturedly. Rukawa shot up a glance and understood what Sendoh said. He nodded his head and stared at nothing in particular. He started to turn when he felt a hand held his left arm.
"Kaede…" Sendoh said, advancing a bit, wanting to stay a bit longer and do what most lovers would do. Rukawa's eyes widened a bit, quite surprised at the sudden closeness and felt himself expecting what'll happen next. Sendoh started leaning in, consciously tilting Rukawa's chin up to meet his expectant lips. Rukawa's eyes were cast down, staring at nothing, not quite daring to meet Sendoh's equally cobalt blue ones. And as the space between them lessens, Sendoh stopped…
Rukawa heard Sendoh dropped something on the ground. They abruptly backed a bit from each other. Sendoh cleared his throat as his eyes stared from Rukawa to who's behind Rukawa.
"Kaede?"
Rukawa blinked his eyes, turning around to see his father, squinting a bit while standing at the doorframe. He wiped his glasses with the sleeve of his sweatshirt. Sendoh cleared his throat and pretended to picked up his car keys. "Erm, dropped them…" He muttered, but he felt his chest raced, his ears warming with the sudden embarrassment and whatnots. Damn, that was…?! Close?! Sheesh! Damn…For some reason he felt a bit panicky and he's not afraid to admit it.
Rukawa understood what happened as he, too, felt himself rattled a bit. He placed a hand on his mouth, coughing a bit and turning around to push the gate open and head inside. Placing the bike on one corner, he nodded when Mamoru finally found his gaze focus. He smiled fondly though.
"You must be cold… your grandmother made dinner." He spoke lowly but clearly. Then his eyes darted outside at the other taller person. Rukawa didn't say anything as he simply nodded nonchalantly. He and his father's gazes meeting.
"Hungry?" Mamoru asked. Rukawa momentarily wondered, coming up with nothing to say, he simply nodded. Mamoru smiled and stared at the retreating back of Sendoh.
Sendoh's hand held at the door, pulling it when a tap on his shoulder surprised him for the nth time. It was Rukawa.
"Kaede… I mean, Rukawa…" Sendoh stammered rather foolishly. Still rattled as his mind fought whether he would call the latter by his name or not. Rukawa felt himself gnawed the inside of his cheeks; his eyes undeniably amused.
"He wants you to have dinner with us."
"W-what? Bu-but… why?! You're kidding right?" Sendoh stated, smiling a bit. Deep inside, he knew he is panicky. Rukawa snorted. But the next statement had Sendoh chuckling as he followed Rukawa inside, while scratching his nape.
"He said, your friend looks hungry, Kaede."
XXX
10:00 PM, Ryonan District
Sendoh plopped heavily on the couch as he lazily removed his parka and boots. He yawned and lazily stared at the wall clock. Just then, his older brother came walking down on the stairs, a smile on his face. "What's up, bro? You're freaking late. Where you've been?" He asked, holding a beer on one hand. Sendoh nodded and sat up straight, wiping his face with palms. He smiled though.
"Just… driving around, aniki."
"Really, with whom?"
"What?"
"Haha, you cant be driving around by yourself now, are you?"
"Hah."
"Don't play dumb with me, silly." Akito teased, grinning and opening their fridge to hand over a can of soda to his brother. Sendoh accepted, placing the can on the coffee table in front of him. Akito sat on the other side of the couch, a grin on his mischievous face.
"Let me guess…"
Sendoh kept quiet as he stared uninterestingly at his older brother. Akito drank from his bottle and stared up at the ceiling then at Akira. "That good-looking friend of yours I met at the station?" He grinned. "I know I'm right."
"I haven't said anything yet."
"You know damn right that I'm right, right?" Akito added, laughing. Sendoh simply scoffed, and shook his head. He grabbed the can of soda and drank from it. He stood up and stretched a bit before yawning. "Good night, bro." He muttered, waving off lazily as he strutted his way up stairs.
"You're together, aren't you?"
Sendoh almost tripped on his way up. Akito laughed, as he pointed accusingly at his younger brother. The Ryonan player stared almost incredulously at his laughing brother. "You… dumb…" but choked, not really wanting to say as his face betrayed him, blood rushing to his face, feeling a bit embarrassed but frankly quite relieved a bit because Akito indeed is that insightful.
The older one approached him from the base of the stairs, leaning. "Hey… I'm not the one to judge. If you're happy, then I'm good. Besides, I can see why you found yourself locking your eyes on him." He grinned. Sendoh scoffed, rolling his eyes for the nth time, not escaping Akito's teasing. "Right." He paused, staring at his older brother.
"Hey… thanks. And yeah, he means a lot to me." Sendoh stated, smiling as he made his way up. Akito simply nodded, waving off.
XXX
A day passed since Sendoh and Rukawa saw each other. Rukawa, particularly has been busy since Shohoku is having a Christmas fair in their school. The high school students busied themselves preparing for their own class booths; he isn't particularly high in this kind of festivities but an activity in school regardless of how mediocre it may seem is still a graded activity, and so he obliged.
For section 1-10, Rukawa's class decided to have a general merchandise booth; selling small items, giftable souvenir, stationery, pens, pins, notepads, stickers, lanyards, magnets, coin purses, - the boring stuff. They also have a DIY photobooth on one corner but, who needs a photobooth when they have Rukawa Kaede in their class. And so, no matter how lame and ordinary their items are, their booth is selling fast—to the delight of the whole class, their adviser, their class officers—but to Rukawa's personal disdain.
He has been assigned to sit behind their make-shift table as the students passed by them, pretended to like and buy their run-of-the-mill items while they secretly (and not-so-secretly) flashed their phones at him as they passed by. If they're lucky, Rukawa might accidentally be looking directly at the camera, but most of the time, he's not. He would keep his usual stoic face on, amidst the occasional nod as girls (and a few guys) passed him buy.
The main ground of the campus is filled with colorful tents, garlands, balloons, Christmas decorations, foil, and all that is green, red, gold and silver. The mood was festive. Two hours into the booth but no one minded the cold morning as students hurriedly milled about, enjoying small booth games and spending their money on stuff they thought they need.
Done with morning activities, the students and those assigned in each booth started packing up. Some rushed inside the gymnasium to witness some sort of mini concert prepared for by the student council. The school invited a budding rock band as the students of Shohoku hurried their merry-way to join in the revelries.
Rukawa tossed the remaining unsold items. Yawning, he grabbed the nearby packaging tape as he closes the remaining box. He glanced to his left to see their class leader doing the inventory and sales, and another male classmate of him as the three of them packed the remaining stuff. He would have escaped and hurried home but for some reason he decided to stay.
"Thanks, Rukawa-kun." The leader said, glancing an eye at him as she went back to writing something on the paper. Rukawa simply nodded and snorted softly. A few minutes more and the three of them headed back to their room, dumping the remains of their booth on one corner.
"Well, that's the last of it. I'm heading to the gym." The male student chirped. The class leader simply nodded and looked at Rukawa. The stoic player simply shook his head. Not the one to be interested in these kinds of merriments.
He started walking towards the exit aisle when he paused, suddenly remembering something; rummaging into his bag he found himself grabbing a small paper bag. It was Haruko's gift—to Sendoh. He forgot to give it to the older boy the other day. He found himself thinking back of that particular moment when Sendoh dropped him off in front of his house and…
Why are you even thinking about that—Rukawa snorted, feeling his face burning when he almost remembered them being caught by none other than his father. Fishing for his phone, he thought of calling Sendoh. Scrolling down his name, he paused.
Why am I feeling all too embarrassed to call him?! He's my… Alas, poor Rukawa turned beet red. Why is he even feeling nervous for calling Sendoh Akira; he's his boy-friend, right? Right. Still, he ended up pressing the back button instead.
"Rukawa-kun!"
Rukawa turned to the familiar voice—Ayako. The curly-haired manageress approached him and grabbed his arm.
"Gaahh! Where have you been?! Good thing I saw a classmate of yours! C'mon now!"
"Ayako-senpai…" He muttered but for some reason he was dragged by the smaller figure.
XXX
"Nyahaha!"
Sakuragi's loud cackle is hard to miss. Rukawa blinked his eyes in surprise. He was greeted by the familiar faces of team Shoyo and Kainan. He wondered what they are doing in Shohoku. He batted an eye on the stage where some band is performing; the loud cheers and singing of the students echoing around.
"Hey, Rukawa-kun." Fujima greeted.
Rukawa stared at the brown-eyed Captain of Shoyo and the others. Ayako chuckled, playfully elbowing him. "As always Fujima, he's clueless." She then turned to her kouhai. "Baka Rukawa, Shohoku's Christmas party is open to the public so we ended up inviting them."
"Ugh, this party is sooo lame!"
"Nyaha, you're lamer, wild monkey!"
"I only came here because Maki is here, you red-head monkey."
"Teme, why don't you go back to the forest now, we don't need your hairy ass here, anyway."
"Here we go again." Hanagata adjusted his glasses, snorting as he leaned back on the wall. The Shoyo boys went around with their usual business. Akagi and Kogure exchanged a few words with Maki and Jin. Mitsui and Miyagi were busy laughing and talking at something apparently.
Rukawa simply stared and blinked at the unlikely group. He scoffed, staring at his phone as if waiting for someone to message him or—call him perhaps. A nudge to his left made him look.
"And where's that handsome boyfriend of yours." Ayako winked, chucking. Rukawa felt his ears warmed, trying to ignore, he shrugged.
"I don't know."
"Why don't you call him, everyone's here."
Rukawa simply snorted. Where indeed are you, anyway?
Meanwhile…
Sendoh stared as the crowd milled about. The mall was packed with last-minute shoppers and its quite annoying to be there. But, his brother asked for his company and he just couldn't say no. He scoffed, shaking his head as he leaned on one corner, feeling tired. He should be somewhere else—like, in Shohoku probably, with someone… raven-haired, blue-eyes…
His daydreaming was halted when his phone rang. Answering it he groaned when he heard his brother is going to come in a bit later because of the traffic. Sendoh clacked his tongue and walked randomly around, eyes lazily peering into the display windows.
He wondered if this is the right time to be looking for a gift for Rukawa. Feeling rather a bit hungry and craving for some iced coffee, he walked towards an infamous coffee shop, queued on the line and waited on one corner as his order finishes up.
Sensing he would be standing for a few minutes more, he saw a random and empty seat nearby and wordlessly sat—eyes on the phone, busy scrolling. He smiled when he saw a random post of Fujima and the others. At Shohoku. His smile grew wider when he saw Rukawa partly included in the photo; his beau not the one to be quite into these kinds of things. He pressed the like button and decided to play along with the colorful comments.
Fujima: Shohoku party!
Maki: Indeed.
Kiyota: Lamer than lame, pah!
Saku: GET OUT stupid monkey!
Kiyota: YOU'RE the MONKEY, monkey!
Hanagata: …
Miyagi: Yeah! Let's party!
Mitsui: Chatting when we're right beside each other, fucking lame!
Ayako: Sendoh: Where are you?
Saku: NYAHAHA! You on a date with someone else!? Sendoh
Mitsui: Sendoh don't miss this, boy!
Miyagi: Sendoh
Mitsui: Miyagi LOL, you fucking tagged him with no message, idiot
Miyagi: I forgot what to say, hahaha!
Sendoh simply chuckled to himself, seeing him tagged and all. He heard his name being called, stood up and got his order and went back to seat, still oblivious to his own surrounding. He humored himself by taking a photo of his drink and posting it as a comment. He wondered—if Rukawa would even join in the fun.
Sendoh: *posts*
And soon enough, everyone erupted random hoots and comments. He momentarily joins in the conversation and was rather feeling a bit edgy since Rukawa isn't really bothered no matter how many tags and mention he's got. Even Sakuragi's antics and insults is not working.
Then again, maybe there is only one action that'll make his younger beau 'react'. Sendoh almost thought twice but its almost Christmas time and the whole group knew about them anyway. I'm sure Kaede wouldn't mind if…
Sendoh: Rukawa I think there's something wrong with my phone…Could you try calling it to see if it works?
Mitsui: Hahahah! Smooth man, smooth…
Miyagi: Rukawa!
Ayako: Sweet!
Miyagi: Ayako I think there's something wrong with my phone…
Ayako: RESET it, Ryota!
Mitsui: HAHAHAH!
Fujima: LOL! Ayako
Maki: Laugh out Loud.
Hanagata: Maki, its LOL.
Mitsui: I cannot, hahahahah! Reset, hahahah! #RyotaReset
Saku: NYAHAHA! #RyotaReset
Mitsui: Seenzoned Sendoh
Miyagi: Rukawa!
Ayako: Really now-?!
Hanagata: I'm reading, continue please. Btw, #RyotaReset
Miyagi: WTH Hanagata!
Fujima: Hanagata Oh wow, I never knew you're fond of romance
Saku: NYAHAHAH!
Mitsui: LOL Hanagata
Miyagi: Rukawa!
Mitsui: WTF, Ryo-chin!
Kogure: Guys… we're near the stadium alright?!
Akagi: Stadium, left side—reserved 10 seats.
Kogure: Guys… are you ignoring us?!
Saku: UU-AA! UU-AA!
Mitsui: WTH Sakuragi!
Saku: It's a Gorilla! Nyahaha!
Mitsui: Hahaha!
Miyagi: LOL!
Akagi: *sents a knuckle GIF*
Ayako: LOL, Captain?!
Fujima: Why don't you just come over here at Shohoku?! Sendoh
Maki: Buy us also a drink. Matcha Tea for me and Ken.
Sendoh: You guys sure is a MATCHA made in heaven :D
Mitsui: Sendoh LOL
Miyagi: Man, it didn't work with me—the phone thing… LOL, Sendoh
Ayako: Sendoh kyaaa! LOL
Fujima: LOL Miyagi Sendoh
Akagi: Sendoh Make it 10 orders, loverboy.
Saku: HAHAHAH!
Miyagi: Captain! LOL!
Mitsui: I'm crying. LOL! :D
Fujima: Akagi, lol
Maki: How do you write embarrassed, Kenji?
Hanagata: Maki Like this, 0/0
Fujima: Hanagata LOL
Saku: Nyahaha!
Mitsu: STOP, LOL!
Sendoh: Akagi :D
Saku: FujiKi? MaJima? NYAHAHA!
Kiyota: WTH is your problem, monkey! Sendoh you idiot, are you high?!
Saku: AM I TALKING TO YOU! Sendoh say something sweet to this monkey, he is jealous! Nyahaha!
Kiyota: FU Monkey! Saku
XXX
Sendoh spent the next few minutes chuckling softly to himself, but—Rukawa never joined in. He scoffed, rolling his eyes, quite expecting that his beau is not the one to join in the fun. Or maybe, he's just being shy. His eyes blinked when a separate chat room ding in. He smiled to himself. Gotcha, dear.
Rukawa: #SendohReset
Sendoh blinked- then laughed when he read Rukawa's comment. He yawned, deciding to pocket his phone for awhile. He was too preoccupied that he didn't notice the man sitting across as well on the table. Sendoh blinked, gaping a bit and was too surprised to meet the eyes of Rukawa's father who was apparently on the same table as his.
"I kind of remember you, are you… Kaede's friend? From the other night?" A smile, the older guy reaching for his cup of coffee. Sendoh felt as if he's been doused with cold water as he abruptly stood up.
"I- I'm sorry, I didn't notice- I thought this table was empty, sir…"
Mamoru Rukawa chuckled a bit, shaking his head as he coaxed the spiky-haired boy to sit down. "No, no… its okay. The coffee shop is full anyway and, I actually shared this table too awhile ago." His eyes crinkled, nodding.
Sendoh was too stunned to even say anything, but he obliged, seating now a bit uncomfortably, as he waits for his brother. He smiled though, nodding and sipping onto his cup and rocking his left leg under the table.
Of all tables to randomly sit and wait- he just had to sit right in front of his boyfriend's father. And it was in that moment, Sendoh felt what it was to be uneasy. He tried to composed himself though, staring discreetly at the older guy who was simply looking at the display of pastries to his left. Dare he start the conversation first?
"I… I'm sorry, are you alone—Rukawa-san?" He muttered, calmly. Smooth, Akira. Rukawa-san, eh.
"Yes." The older answered, nodding as he sipped onto his cup. Sendoh nodded back, not knowing what to say next.
"And you?" The older returned the question.
"Um—I am waiting for my brother."
"Oh, I see." A curt nod as Mamoru cleared his throat and looked at his phone. Sendoh took in the time to stare at the older man, he wondered what to asked of him. And truth is, at the back of his mind, he wondered too, if Mamoru Rukawa ever knew of his relationship with his son. And of course, he pondered on the father's reaction.
Swallowing, he sips onto his cup and stared at nothing in particular; the noise around him suddenly being muffled into his own thoughts.
"…is with you?"
Sendoh blinked. Mamoru opened his mouth again, sensing the boy in front of him probably didn't hear him.
"I thought Kaede is with you."
"Y-yes…"
"…"
"Uh- no, no, I mean—he's at school. Heh." What the heck did I just said?! Sendoh cleared his throat, missing the question, he almost admitted to Rukawa and him being together when the father literally meant—if Rukawa is with him today, at the mall.
"You're not from Shohoku then?"
"Um, no sir…" He muttered lowly, smiling a bit, drumming his fingers. Mamoru nodded; brows raised a bit but he smiled nonetheless. "What school are you from?"
"Ryonan."
"Oh. Good." Mamoru muttered, not really familiar with all of the schools of course, but assuming its probably like Shohoku.
"So, how did you meet my son?"
"Oh, uh…" Sendoh paused. Here comes the interrogation-type of questions. "… a basketball game, practice match. His school and mine often meet up for some games." A pause. Mamoru nodded.
"He's a good player… Kae- I mean, Rukawa-kun." Sendoh stammered, waving his hand and scoffing.
"Yeah. I've been told by his grandmother." A smile, as Mamoru stared at his cup almost longingly. "I bet you're quite good as well."
"Oh- haha, I—I'm just an average player, Rukawa-san. Below average. I'm bench most of the time. Heh." Sendoh paused, chuckling sheepishly, scratching his nape. Mamoru raised his brows and chuckled softly, disbelieving the equally tall boy. If he must gauge, basing on this kid's wider frame, he maybe his team's Ace player.
"I bet you're pulling my leg." The father muttered; they both laughed.
"No, Kaede is- I mean, Rukawa-kun and I meet a lot on court, we kind of… guard each other most of the times." Sendoh muttered, eyes twinkling if one manages to be observant. He scoffed though; inwardly, he's been hitting himself with a trout. Damn it, Rukawa-kun. Rukawa-kun. I kept on slipping…
Mamoru chuckled, amused at the boys' reactions. "You can call him by his name, you know." Just then, the older Rukawa stared at his watch and looked at Sendoh.
"So, you two are… friends?" Mamoru muttered, unflinching as he sips on his cup.
It was that query that send Sendoh slightly fidgeting on his seat. He sips on his drink and nodded.
"We are." He paused. "…friends." He grinned. The older nodded. And its not a lie either, before anything else, he and Rukawa has indeed became friends. And is it not friendship the foundation of almost all relationships? Sendoh swallowed, cementing the indignation of his thoughts.
"I'm glad then. Its good to know he has friends." Mamoru muttered, pausing. "I bet you're probably a close friend of his."
Sendoh almost chuckled, amused. He scratched his cheek and grinned. "Er—yeah, I would like to believe so too, Rukawa-san." I'm actually a lot closer than that, Rukawa-san. Phew… where the hell is my brother anyway? Damn you, Akito!
"I must be… going now." He stood up, grabbing some paper bags with bows on it. Sendoh nodded and stood up as well, wiping both of his palms on his thighs.
"Hai."
"Its good seeing you- uh, friend of Kaede." He smiled and readied to leave when he paused for a bit.
"Sorry, I didn't catch your name?"
Sendoh blinked, swallowed and tugged his lips upward a bit. "Sendoh. Sendoh Akira, Rukawa-san." He muttered with a nod. Mamoru acknowledged, his eyes gazing at the slightly taller boy. For a moment, he thought of wanting to say something… more like, wanting to ask actually but, he really should be going at the time being; he promised the old lady in the house that he's just going to have a quick visit at the mall.
Truth is, he was hoping he could call his son to accompany him that day, and maybe—give his boy a gift or whatever; but Rukawa told him of the school's graded activities. Mamoru scoffed softly to himself, eyes staring below. Its quite true when they say that you never get a refund on time wasted, for there are no guarantees on tomorrow.
With a final stare, he nodded and walked past Sendoh who was simply staring back at him. Mamoru headed to the exit but paused, alerting the guy from Ryonan. He turned to him one last time.
"You know, you seem like a person with a kind heart." He paused. Sendoh gapes, chuckles softly, embarrassed. The older Rukawa simply smiled, eyes crinkling. "I can see why my son would be enjoying your company."
"Oh, that's… I'm…" Sendoh muttered, lost for words. Mamoru waved his hand for the last time but not without finishing his statement.
"Being kind, is a fountain of joy Sendoh-kun. It refreshes everything around you into a smile."
TBC
XXX
Note: Believe me, I am sooo close to ending this! I'll pour out my energy in this fic from now on! This fic is like the Titanic; sunken already at the bottom of the ocean and its taking all of my chakra to lift this up. I only have the whole of July to indulge myself in writing BL/SenRu stuff. I'm going back to my cave (studying) in August and probably would be returning in December. So, yayy! Updated fic 3/3. To those who personally know me, they know what two other fics I'm talking about. Lol. "Unti-Unti" fic is on pause. I need to re-read the whole thing again. I cant remember what I was trying come out of it. Yikes. Thank you once more. To my loyal reader addictedtoSD let's schedule that burger celebration, lol!
To that grumpy reader that hates me, well—I don't know what to say, I hope you're doing well, I guess. Lol. If you're still curious as to how this fic ends, you can continue hanging on. :D
Also, to the guest; who's copying my ideas?! Haha! I have the worst fic ideas. I cant believe that anyone would want to 'copy' them. Lol.