Title: Life, Newspaper and Basketball
Disclaimer: Slam Dunk belongs to Takehiko Inoue. I'm doing this to improve my creative writing. (shucks) Please don't sue me.
Authors Note: Hello there pips! This is my first attempt of a RuHaru fic. There's just so little of them out there...tsk, so depressing...I don't know how I'm going to pull this fic off, since I'm no writer...I'm majoring in ECONOMICS for gawds sake and I'm doing this?! I'm suppose to be doing a fan-fiction that includes math, eco, business...blah.... blah...blah....(authors gone haywire...)
**by the way, this is an AU fic. Rukawa is nicer, I mean NICER! And he's social, heck; he's even a journalist! At the top of all the good things...ya know what I'm saying?
I want to say something to the following great reviewers:
Rook the pairings near...pwomis!
diwata I have an older bro, and we make each other's life like hell, duno what's so sweet bout that...^^, bout writing another story after this...I'll think bout that.
townberry 5 min.? That's an improvement, ne? I hope so...^^
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CHAPTER 6: YOU'RE NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL...
Rukawa Kaede was taking his shirt off when Takenori Akagi entered the changing room.
"Oi, Akagi-sempai!"
Rukawa smiled and bowed slightly towards his sempai.
"Err..."
Just then Kogure entered the room.
"Akagi-sempai, what's taking you so-"
Kogure stopped abruptly after seeing Rukawa.
"Oh, okaaay...I'll just make it fast, the guys are getting impatient."
And as if on cue...
"Nani? What's taking that gorilla long?"
Sakuragi shouted just outside the changing room.
"Alright I'll just tell the guys you're...umm, busy." Kogure said.
But Hanamichi can't wait any longer; he barged in to the room to demand Akagi to change faster. Kogure tried to push him out of the room but Hanamichi being taller and stronger managed to flip Kogure out of his way.
"Gori-"
Hanamichi's jaw dropped to the floor.
"Don't tell me you're d-doing it?" Hanamichi said.
BOINK
Akagi dropped a punch on Hanamichi's head.
"I'm kinda getting lost here...we're doing what Hanamichi?"
"Making-"
Akagi and Kogure put their hands on Sakuragi's mouth simultaneously.
"Nothing, just hurry up or Ayako will come after you with her fan." Kogure said.
Dragging Hanamichi with him, Kogure left the changing room leaving Akagi and Rukawa.
//What's going on?//
Not minding what happened just earlier, Rukawa continued changing. Akagi on the other hand changed as fast as he could, as if staying by the room for any minutes will make him catch a deadly disease.
Sensing Akagi's discomfort, Rukawa took a step closer to him, looking at him strangely. Akagi took a step backward.
//What's up with him?//
Again Rukawa took a step forward leading to Akagi taking a step backward. They were doing what looked like a silly dance when Ayako entered the room.
"Rukawa, Akagi-sempai, the guys are-"
Ayako, upon seeing the two at such close distance, fainted. Akagi rolled his eyes as if he was getting a lot of reaction just what like Ayako gave him right now. The others guys hearing a sound from the room suddenly ran towards it. They looked at Ayako on the floor, ("Ayako-chan!!!", Ryota exclaimed dramatically) then towards Akagi, then finally resting at Rukawa. Silence soon ensues.
"Okay, I'm officially lost. Can somebody tell me what's going on?" Rukawa said finally.
--------------------------------
Sound of ball's bouncing on the floor can be heard everywhere. For some onlookers, things seemed like a regular training. But to the guys on the floor, things were very weird. For Rukawa, things were falling apart.
Haruko, who was standing at the bleachers with Ayako, smiled secretly. Rukawa caught that smile and looked hard at her. Haruko feeling that somebody was looking at her turned her head towards Rukawa's direction.
"What?" She mouthed.
//As if she didn't know...//
Rukawa gave her a look that said, "Don't give me that".
Haruko just shrugged and resumed her work. Rukawa just threw up his hand and concentrated on their ongoing drills.
//I'll make sure that she won't escape this mess she created...I swear.//
-----------------------------------
After some miscues here and there, an accidental trip that led Rukawa to drop on Akagi, some whispering here and there, some snickering from Haruko, some teasing, well not some, but a lot of teasing from Sakuragi, and weird glances by his teammates, practice was finally over.
Rukawa rushed to the shower room making the team to raise their eyebrow at his fleeting form. There was a sudden murmuring from the guys here and there and Akagi could only look at Haruko who was trying her best to hide a smile that was threatening to form at her lips. Akagi approached her making Haruko regain her composure and pose a 'what-now' look.
"I know you hate Rukawa but it didn't cross my mind that we're sharing the race at your 'hate-list'"
"Aw c'mon nii-san..."
"Don't 'c'mon-c'mon' me!"
Akagi shouted in frustration. His teammates, who were still on the court all looked at him.
"Mind your own business!!"
They almost jump at how frightening Akagi's voice was, not to mention final. But like military cadets, they saluted him and they decided to hit the showers.
"Jeez, grouchy aren't we?"
Akagi gave her little sister a serious stare. Haruko knew that they were talking serious and she was in deep shit.
"I don't have to ask if the rumor you've spread were true coz I'm sure as hell that it's not! Now what I want to know is that, from God knows how many names there are in this world, you chose the name Takenori?"
"I told him nii-san." Haruko corrected.
"I'm glad you're taking this seriously."
"Okay, fine...It just popped out of my mind. I wasn't thinking, I was too frustrated and I just wanted to embarrass him right there at that moment at that place with your oh-so gossipy teammate hearing the news of the day!"
Hearing the hurt voice, Akagi decided to put his words gently. He knew that Haruko didn't mean for this mess to happen, well she didn't meant for this to happen to her brother but this is what she exactly wants for Rukawa.
"Okay, I got the point...but it's still wrong. The team's gona act weird and the tournament is about to start in a week. I can't let this silly rumor take its toll...you know how much I want this tournament."
"It means as much to me also..."
"Right, I know that. Everybody wants that. How's the practice earlier, sure they work hard as they always do but the atmosphere is different...you know what I mean. Your the assistant." Akagi smiled.
"I know..."
"I don't have to make this conversation long, you know what you have to do."
"...What?"
Akagi bowed his head in frustration.
"Just joking!"
Akagi gently slapped Haruko's arm and she just made face at his antics. Relieved that he had managed to convince her sister to ask for an apology to Rukawa, Akagi hit the shower.
Haruko started to pick the ball's that was scattered around the gym. She was thinking on how to start a conversation with someone she didn't want to even converse with. Ironically, it always end up that she has to talk with this person. Too concentrated with her work, she didn't notice that Rukawa was walking up to her.
"Can we talk?"
Haruko, in surprise, threw the ball in Rukawa's direction. Of course, Rukawa catched it effortlessly. Upon knowing who owned the voice, Haruko snap her fingers in regret that she didn't threw it with much force.
"About what?"
"You know what I want to talk about."
Haruko noticed that Rukawa was colder not like the always cheery voice he has when he's talking to her. She decided to take this conversation seriously, not just for her sake but for her brothers' also.
"Sor-"
It seems like people popping up in the middle of conversations were the 'thing' of the day. Because at the moment of Haruko's suppose to be asking-for-forgiveness situation, Hanamichi came in between them.
"Haruko-chan how's your article going?"
Haruko's face fell; she remembered why exactly she hates the person behind Hanamichi. She wanted to tell Sakuragi that thanks to his 'oh-so-perfect' friend, her article is not going to be printed.
"I'm still working on it."
Haruko lied, and then slightly turned to Rukawa, making the latter look away.
"Really? Nyahahahahaha, tensai here is willing to offer his precious time to help you finish your article! How about it, ne Haruko-chan?"
"That won't be necessary."
A voice from behind Rukawa offered. Hanamichi cringed, Haruko smiled, and Rukawa could only "tsk" at Hanamichi's situation.
"Aaa, Gori...Rukawa and I was just about to leave. I just happen to ask her about her article and if she needs any help. I'm always free you know?"
"N-O-T N-E-C-E-S-S-A-R-Y."
"Right! We were just saying goodbye to Haruko-chan, right Rukawa?"
Before Rukawa could answer, Hanamichi dragged him away.
"Wait, I'm still talking with Haruko!"
But it was no use. Hanamichi, who was busy waving his big hands and smiling sweetly at Haruko, wasn't even listening.
"Bye Haruko!!"
Seeing that it was useless to argue with Hanamichi, Rukawa just signaled a hand at his ear at Haruko and mouthed, "I'll just call you up" at her. Haruko nodded and waved at Hanamichi in acknowledgement.
-----------------------------------------
'krrrrrriiiinnnngggg, krrrrriiiiiinnnnnggggg....."
Haruko just stared at the phone. She knew that Rukawa was gona call her. Why was she staring at it? She was having a little debate on 'why I should answer the phone' issue. It was a loooong debate because the phone was ringing for quite a while now.
Haruko was still debating on the topic when she heard a loud footstep that was running towards her direction. Takenori Akagi, stopped in front of her, panted for a while, looked at her sharply (in which Haruko totally ignored) then finally picked up the phone.
"Moshi-moshi, Takenori Akagi speaking. Who's on the line please?"
There was a slight murmur on the other end, which Haruko didn't understand, then Akagi brought the phone in front of her face and said,
"It's Rukawa."
"I know."
Akagi almost drop the phone.
"Then why didn't you answer it?!"
"I was having a debate."
Haruko took the phone and Akagi just looked at her and thought, "How the hell did I get to have this kind of sister?" Sighing to himself, Akagi walked back to his room and decided to sleep his "unfortunate ness".
Looking at her brother's retreating figure, Haruko finally said hello to Rukawa.
"Can we talk now? I know it's late and everything but I want to set things straight."
"Your right it's late and I'm not allowed to talk that long on phone at this hours."
There was moment of silence in the other end and Haruko almost thought that Rukawa would consider to just drop the subject because it is late at night. And she got her wish.
"Okay."
"I know you would understand."
Haruko just rolled her eyes; Rukawa actually fell for her lie! She was thinking earlier on how to make this conversation short. The idea of talking to Rukawa on the phone was not that appealing to her. Heck, she would call Matsui after this conversation and talk with her for hours!
"So how about Saturday?"
Well she didn't expect that. And she also didn't expect for her brother to sneak up and listen to her conversation. Akagi suddenly appeared in stairs and look at her. Haruko shot him an accusing look. Akagi just folded his arms and stayed.
"Saturday? Are you kidding me? We have no classes during Saturday!"
"Exactly."
"And your point is?"
"No interruption."
Something about the way Rukawa said it made Haruko's heart beat faster.
"Uh-huh...and where would this 'meeting' be?"
"How about by the park? Around 9 or 10? We can have a picnic!"
Haruko's head was spinning. She wasn't totally expecting that. Maybe talking to him on the phone should have been the best option.
"A picnic? Just the two of us?"
Haruko slapped her head mentally. She didn't mean it to sound hopeful.
"Nope, I'll be bringing Leila!"
That stopped the dizzy world for Haruko.
"Leila?"
"Yup! She's my pet. A golden retriever."
Again, there was this 'feeling' that washed over Haruko, accompanied with relief.
"Oh..."
"So what do you say? Are you in?"
There was really something about the way Rukawa asked her...although she couldn't define it...There was longing. Longing for what? There was hope. Hoping for what? There was emptiness. Searching for what? And most, sadness. Why so?
Haruko was so lost at her thinking that she didn't notice that her brother was grinning. By the time Haruko looked at Akagi to ask for his help, his usual demeanor has returned. Then Akagi said to her.
"You have yet to straighten things out."
That was a lie by Takenori Akagi. Well, part of it that is. He had actually told the whole team about Haruko's supposed to be 'revenge' on Rukawa and they all believed him. Now, he's trying to set things right between Rukawa and Haruko. It might be a crazy idea, but it has to work. It is for the team.
Haruko pouted at his brother. But she knows that he's right. Rukawa inquiring if it's okay with her startled her. She almost forgot that Rukawa was waiting for her answer.
"I'm in."
"Great! So, how about 9 in the morning?"
"That's a good time as any."
"Right....uummm, would you mind if you bring some food?"
For the first time, since Haruko knew Rukawa, she didn't felt irritated.
"I don't mind."
"Thanks. And..."
Rukawa suddenly trailed off. Sensing this Haruko asked him if something's the matter. This surprised Rukawa, and unknown to him, it surprised Akagi also. So Rukawa continued.
"And please bring your article. I would like to talk about it again."
Haruko didn't reply. The line on both sides was so quiet that it was almost deafening for Rukawa and Haruko...and Akagi.
Rukawa and Akagi were praying that Haruko would not burst in anger. Then she finally spoke.
"I will."
"O-okay. So, I'll see you there?"
"Definitely."
"Oyasumi!"
"Oyasumi."
Then they both hang up the phone. Haruko just stared at the phone for a while. Not believing that she actually said yes to a 'picnic' with Rukawa.
'Just wait til Matsui hear it.' Haruko thought.
She turned towards her brother but he's not there anymore.
Haruko sighed. What mess has she gotten herself into?
-------------------------------------------
Rukawa put the phone back to its place and dropped on his bed. Crossing his arms behind his head making it his pillow. He sighed.
//What am I doing?//
He called Haruko Akagi because he wanted to know what's her problem with him. He has been ignoring Haruko's not-so-nice attitude towards him but the gay (Rukawa cringed) incident was too much for him. He wanted to know if she's mad at him and why.
Rukawa looked at his calendar. Tomorrow is 15, a very special day for him.
//Is that why I asked her out?//
It's really not a date, he kept on saying to himself. He was just lonely, and he wanted to share that day with someone, anyone!
//Why can't you make it?//
Before Rukawa could think of any reasons, he had fallen asleep with the thought of wanting to spend the day tomorrow with the one he loves.
-------------------------------------------
"Is that Leila? Wow, she's really cute!"
Rukawa had just introduced Haruko to his golden retriever. Haruko reached for the dog and it seemed to like Haruko instantly because Leila licked Haruko's hand. Rukawa smiled, Leila was choosy when it comes to girls befriending her and him. It seemed like even dogs fall for Rukawa.
"She likes you" Rukawa said.
"Who wouldn't?"
Haruko gave Rukawa a warm smile and for a while there, Rukawa almost forgot why he asked Haruko to this picnic. Shaking his head Rukawa took the basket that Haruko was carrying and decided to find a place for them to hang out.
After finding a Sakura tree, Haruko and Rukawa decided that it was perfect. They started arranging their things and brought out the food. This caused Leila to bark with glee. But Rukawa shook his head at the golden retriever, making the dog drop on its belly and pout. Haruko laughed at that.
"I wana taste this goodies first!" Rukawa said.
"What are we waiting for then, lets eat!"
After some chocolate chip cookies, that were made by Haruko, some sandwiches, some feeding for Leila, Rukawa finally decided that it was time for talking.
"Are you mad at me?"
Rukawa said it so suddenly that Haruko was taken aback by his frankness. She shifted uncomfortably. How would she answer?
"Do you mean because of the article?"
"That, and many more."
"What do you mean by 'many more'?"
"Well, no offense Haruko, but you were not that nice at me since way, way back. I was just ignoring it. Thinking that I was just included in your "irritating" list and it was nothing serious. I did heard from some people that you were angry at me but I really don't know why..."
'Irritating list'? Haruko chuckled at the idea. He was nowhere at the list. He was at the hate list. Well, it was time for Rukawa to know the truth.
"Actually, your on the hate list."
Rukawa blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"H-a-t-e list."
"That's flattering."
"That's the truth."
"...And I'm on that list because?"
This was the hard part for Haruko. She didn't want to admit that she was jealous that Rukawa was besting her at everything.
"I'm jealous."
'Where did that come from', Haruko thought.
"Jealous?"
Rukawa couldn't think of anything that he has that might cause jealousy for Haruko.
"Newspaper editor, president, director, valedictorian.... and the list might go on Rukawa."
Still, Rukawa can't find anything for her to be jealous about and it shows because his eyebrows were in a 'V' form and his face is scrunched up. Haruko noticed this and decided to elaborate.
"You haven't noticed haven't you? That's why I hated you more. I was always behind you Rukawa. Always just the second best. I can't defeat you at anything. It's frustrating you know?"
That's when Rukawa realized that indeed, the name Haruko Akagi was always under his name. Be it the graduation honors or the officers ranking...he never really noticed, until now. How could he miss it?
//That's because you were too busy thinking of-//
Rukawa shook his head. He didn't want to think about it.
"Gomen ne." Rukawa said.
Haruko just smiled half-heartedly. She hated to admit it but it's really not Rukawa's fault. Yes she had given her best at everything; it just so happen that Rukawa Kaede was giving more than what she can do. Then something snapped inside of her. And that is irritation towards him. It's gone.
"I really didn't notice that I was hindering you from your goals..."
"Aw, it's really not your fault."
Again Rukawa shook his head.
"Before I was in Junior High, I was a wild kid. I was always in a fight and my grades were too embarrassing to mention...things were just fucked up. Then I learned to play basketball. It became my life...I was not in a fight anymore, and I was definitely forgetting my study..."
Haruko leaned in closer. She was beginning to find out the force behind his achievements. And she didn't want to miss it. It was a puzzle for her, someone besting her, that is.
"My dad was so furious that he hid all my basketball gears. And he was always lecturing me on how important my education was and everything. At first I didn't understand, I wanted to play ball. But then, I didn't have any choice. I studied. And studied, thinking that if my grades got high, he would let me join the team."
Haruko nodded, that's exactly what she would do if she were in his position. Now that's a dangerous thought. Haruko Akagi agreeing with Kaede Rukawa. It was almost impossible. But Haruko was too busy agreeing with Rukawa to even notice the 'danger' sign that was flashing at the back of her mind.
"But they still didn't let me join the team at junior high. And I thought that what I have done was not yet enough to convince them. So I took up as many things as possible and tried to be number one at anything."
"You are number one at everything."
"Yes, but not in something that I want."
They become silent.
Rukawa can't believe that he's actually telling Haruko these things. He was private when it comes to these things, and only one person knows them beside Rukawa, and now Haruko. But he can't stop telling her. It was like he was speaking at will.
//I can't be doing this//
///but you need it...///
//I don't//
///You're just saying it coz you're afraid that she'll get mad///
//She might.//
///What your problem anyways, it's not as if your violating something. She's just a friend.///
//A friend...//
And before Rukawa could further debate on the topic, Haruko spoke up.
"Gomen, for that incident. I was too...too frustrated with things. Too frustrated with...you."
Rukawa's head shot up towards her. But Haruko was not looking at him, her head was turned opposite of Rukawa's direction. She had this faraway look that made Rukawa's heart do some summersaults. He had never seen Haruko this close. The way her hair was being blown by the wind, the way her brown eyes would give off a soft glow...it seemed that everything about Haruko Akagi was beautiful. Then Haruko turned her attention to Rukawa, causing his momentary stupor to end.
Haruko smiled at him. It was as if she finally understood why Rukawa Kaede was the best in everything.
"I was frustrated why your like that...I mean you're so nice even when I'm rude to you. I just can't understand why you're like that. And from what seemed like disbelief turned out to be jealousy in everything that you do that I can't."
Then Haruko remembered Matsui's words, 'Rukawa brings out the best in you". But she decided not tell it to him. That would be...uummm, not right.
"But I'm beginning to understand why Rukawa."
Rukawa nodded.
"I'm glad we had this picnic." Rukawa said.
Warning signs and danger signs were now being flashed at the back of their heads. But how could they notice it? They were finally finding out that they could be good friends. And Haruko for the second time, since she met Rukawa, will agree to it.
"So am I."
Rukawa smiled.
//Yes, this going to be a good start.//
"Alright, now let's talk about your article. Maybe we can find a way to compromise."
Haruko smiled at that. Compromise, another thing that seemed impossible to her with Rukawa.
"Your not so bad after all..."
So they started sorting Haruko's paper, hoping that by the end of their conversation, a compromise will be reached.
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...Yah, yah, I know it took me long to update. I can't snap out of my post-prelims exam experience.
...Ouch,,, my shoulders hurt! This is one damn long chapter! Well, it's long for me anyways.^^
...Oh yeah, this might confusing for you guys but:
// -are Rukawa's thoughts. I did mention that it's going to be his thoughts in this chapter.
/// -That's his subconscious...ya know, the irritating voice at the back of our heads that tells us obvious things that we tend to ignore....^^
' -Are thoughts by the character who is speaking at the moment.
...If that confusing, help me find a way, tell me what you like...your wish is my command.^^
...Besides diwata-san and kikiam-sama's work, are there any RuHaru fics out there? I've read "torn" by crazygal or jaja...and it's the bomb! I just don't know if she had finished it yet.
...Enough blabbering...I'd like to know what you think of the story so far. And what are the things you expect to happen. I might just give you guys what you want. Nyahahahahaha!!!!
Disclaimer: Slam Dunk belongs to Takehiko Inoue. I'm doing this to improve my creative writing. (shucks) Please don't sue me.
Authors Note: Hello there pips! This is my first attempt of a RuHaru fic. There's just so little of them out there...tsk, so depressing...I don't know how I'm going to pull this fic off, since I'm no writer...I'm majoring in ECONOMICS for gawds sake and I'm doing this?! I'm suppose to be doing a fan-fiction that includes math, eco, business...blah.... blah...blah....(authors gone haywire...)
**by the way, this is an AU fic. Rukawa is nicer, I mean NICER! And he's social, heck; he's even a journalist! At the top of all the good things...ya know what I'm saying?
I want to say something to the following great reviewers:
Rook the pairings near...pwomis!
diwata I have an older bro, and we make each other's life like hell, duno what's so sweet bout that...^^, bout writing another story after this...I'll think bout that.
townberry 5 min.? That's an improvement, ne? I hope so...^^
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CHAPTER 6: YOU'RE NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL...
Rukawa Kaede was taking his shirt off when Takenori Akagi entered the changing room.
"Oi, Akagi-sempai!"
Rukawa smiled and bowed slightly towards his sempai.
"Err..."
Just then Kogure entered the room.
"Akagi-sempai, what's taking you so-"
Kogure stopped abruptly after seeing Rukawa.
"Oh, okaaay...I'll just make it fast, the guys are getting impatient."
And as if on cue...
"Nani? What's taking that gorilla long?"
Sakuragi shouted just outside the changing room.
"Alright I'll just tell the guys you're...umm, busy." Kogure said.
But Hanamichi can't wait any longer; he barged in to the room to demand Akagi to change faster. Kogure tried to push him out of the room but Hanamichi being taller and stronger managed to flip Kogure out of his way.
"Gori-"
Hanamichi's jaw dropped to the floor.
"Don't tell me you're d-doing it?" Hanamichi said.
BOINK
Akagi dropped a punch on Hanamichi's head.
"I'm kinda getting lost here...we're doing what Hanamichi?"
"Making-"
Akagi and Kogure put their hands on Sakuragi's mouth simultaneously.
"Nothing, just hurry up or Ayako will come after you with her fan." Kogure said.
Dragging Hanamichi with him, Kogure left the changing room leaving Akagi and Rukawa.
//What's going on?//
Not minding what happened just earlier, Rukawa continued changing. Akagi on the other hand changed as fast as he could, as if staying by the room for any minutes will make him catch a deadly disease.
Sensing Akagi's discomfort, Rukawa took a step closer to him, looking at him strangely. Akagi took a step backward.
//What's up with him?//
Again Rukawa took a step forward leading to Akagi taking a step backward. They were doing what looked like a silly dance when Ayako entered the room.
"Rukawa, Akagi-sempai, the guys are-"
Ayako, upon seeing the two at such close distance, fainted. Akagi rolled his eyes as if he was getting a lot of reaction just what like Ayako gave him right now. The others guys hearing a sound from the room suddenly ran towards it. They looked at Ayako on the floor, ("Ayako-chan!!!", Ryota exclaimed dramatically) then towards Akagi, then finally resting at Rukawa. Silence soon ensues.
"Okay, I'm officially lost. Can somebody tell me what's going on?" Rukawa said finally.
--------------------------------
Sound of ball's bouncing on the floor can be heard everywhere. For some onlookers, things seemed like a regular training. But to the guys on the floor, things were very weird. For Rukawa, things were falling apart.
Haruko, who was standing at the bleachers with Ayako, smiled secretly. Rukawa caught that smile and looked hard at her. Haruko feeling that somebody was looking at her turned her head towards Rukawa's direction.
"What?" She mouthed.
//As if she didn't know...//
Rukawa gave her a look that said, "Don't give me that".
Haruko just shrugged and resumed her work. Rukawa just threw up his hand and concentrated on their ongoing drills.
//I'll make sure that she won't escape this mess she created...I swear.//
-----------------------------------
After some miscues here and there, an accidental trip that led Rukawa to drop on Akagi, some whispering here and there, some snickering from Haruko, some teasing, well not some, but a lot of teasing from Sakuragi, and weird glances by his teammates, practice was finally over.
Rukawa rushed to the shower room making the team to raise their eyebrow at his fleeting form. There was a sudden murmuring from the guys here and there and Akagi could only look at Haruko who was trying her best to hide a smile that was threatening to form at her lips. Akagi approached her making Haruko regain her composure and pose a 'what-now' look.
"I know you hate Rukawa but it didn't cross my mind that we're sharing the race at your 'hate-list'"
"Aw c'mon nii-san..."
"Don't 'c'mon-c'mon' me!"
Akagi shouted in frustration. His teammates, who were still on the court all looked at him.
"Mind your own business!!"
They almost jump at how frightening Akagi's voice was, not to mention final. But like military cadets, they saluted him and they decided to hit the showers.
"Jeez, grouchy aren't we?"
Akagi gave her little sister a serious stare. Haruko knew that they were talking serious and she was in deep shit.
"I don't have to ask if the rumor you've spread were true coz I'm sure as hell that it's not! Now what I want to know is that, from God knows how many names there are in this world, you chose the name Takenori?"
"I told him nii-san." Haruko corrected.
"I'm glad you're taking this seriously."
"Okay, fine...It just popped out of my mind. I wasn't thinking, I was too frustrated and I just wanted to embarrass him right there at that moment at that place with your oh-so gossipy teammate hearing the news of the day!"
Hearing the hurt voice, Akagi decided to put his words gently. He knew that Haruko didn't mean for this mess to happen, well she didn't meant for this to happen to her brother but this is what she exactly wants for Rukawa.
"Okay, I got the point...but it's still wrong. The team's gona act weird and the tournament is about to start in a week. I can't let this silly rumor take its toll...you know how much I want this tournament."
"It means as much to me also..."
"Right, I know that. Everybody wants that. How's the practice earlier, sure they work hard as they always do but the atmosphere is different...you know what I mean. Your the assistant." Akagi smiled.
"I know..."
"I don't have to make this conversation long, you know what you have to do."
"...What?"
Akagi bowed his head in frustration.
"Just joking!"
Akagi gently slapped Haruko's arm and she just made face at his antics. Relieved that he had managed to convince her sister to ask for an apology to Rukawa, Akagi hit the shower.
Haruko started to pick the ball's that was scattered around the gym. She was thinking on how to start a conversation with someone she didn't want to even converse with. Ironically, it always end up that she has to talk with this person. Too concentrated with her work, she didn't notice that Rukawa was walking up to her.
"Can we talk?"
Haruko, in surprise, threw the ball in Rukawa's direction. Of course, Rukawa catched it effortlessly. Upon knowing who owned the voice, Haruko snap her fingers in regret that she didn't threw it with much force.
"About what?"
"You know what I want to talk about."
Haruko noticed that Rukawa was colder not like the always cheery voice he has when he's talking to her. She decided to take this conversation seriously, not just for her sake but for her brothers' also.
"Sor-"
It seems like people popping up in the middle of conversations were the 'thing' of the day. Because at the moment of Haruko's suppose to be asking-for-forgiveness situation, Hanamichi came in between them.
"Haruko-chan how's your article going?"
Haruko's face fell; she remembered why exactly she hates the person behind Hanamichi. She wanted to tell Sakuragi that thanks to his 'oh-so-perfect' friend, her article is not going to be printed.
"I'm still working on it."
Haruko lied, and then slightly turned to Rukawa, making the latter look away.
"Really? Nyahahahahaha, tensai here is willing to offer his precious time to help you finish your article! How about it, ne Haruko-chan?"
"That won't be necessary."
A voice from behind Rukawa offered. Hanamichi cringed, Haruko smiled, and Rukawa could only "tsk" at Hanamichi's situation.
"Aaa, Gori...Rukawa and I was just about to leave. I just happen to ask her about her article and if she needs any help. I'm always free you know?"
"N-O-T N-E-C-E-S-S-A-R-Y."
"Right! We were just saying goodbye to Haruko-chan, right Rukawa?"
Before Rukawa could answer, Hanamichi dragged him away.
"Wait, I'm still talking with Haruko!"
But it was no use. Hanamichi, who was busy waving his big hands and smiling sweetly at Haruko, wasn't even listening.
"Bye Haruko!!"
Seeing that it was useless to argue with Hanamichi, Rukawa just signaled a hand at his ear at Haruko and mouthed, "I'll just call you up" at her. Haruko nodded and waved at Hanamichi in acknowledgement.
-----------------------------------------
'krrrrrriiiinnnngggg, krrrrriiiiiinnnnnggggg....."
Haruko just stared at the phone. She knew that Rukawa was gona call her. Why was she staring at it? She was having a little debate on 'why I should answer the phone' issue. It was a loooong debate because the phone was ringing for quite a while now.
Haruko was still debating on the topic when she heard a loud footstep that was running towards her direction. Takenori Akagi, stopped in front of her, panted for a while, looked at her sharply (in which Haruko totally ignored) then finally picked up the phone.
"Moshi-moshi, Takenori Akagi speaking. Who's on the line please?"
There was a slight murmur on the other end, which Haruko didn't understand, then Akagi brought the phone in front of her face and said,
"It's Rukawa."
"I know."
Akagi almost drop the phone.
"Then why didn't you answer it?!"
"I was having a debate."
Haruko took the phone and Akagi just looked at her and thought, "How the hell did I get to have this kind of sister?" Sighing to himself, Akagi walked back to his room and decided to sleep his "unfortunate ness".
Looking at her brother's retreating figure, Haruko finally said hello to Rukawa.
"Can we talk now? I know it's late and everything but I want to set things straight."
"Your right it's late and I'm not allowed to talk that long on phone at this hours."
There was moment of silence in the other end and Haruko almost thought that Rukawa would consider to just drop the subject because it is late at night. And she got her wish.
"Okay."
"I know you would understand."
Haruko just rolled her eyes; Rukawa actually fell for her lie! She was thinking earlier on how to make this conversation short. The idea of talking to Rukawa on the phone was not that appealing to her. Heck, she would call Matsui after this conversation and talk with her for hours!
"So how about Saturday?"
Well she didn't expect that. And she also didn't expect for her brother to sneak up and listen to her conversation. Akagi suddenly appeared in stairs and look at her. Haruko shot him an accusing look. Akagi just folded his arms and stayed.
"Saturday? Are you kidding me? We have no classes during Saturday!"
"Exactly."
"And your point is?"
"No interruption."
Something about the way Rukawa said it made Haruko's heart beat faster.
"Uh-huh...and where would this 'meeting' be?"
"How about by the park? Around 9 or 10? We can have a picnic!"
Haruko's head was spinning. She wasn't totally expecting that. Maybe talking to him on the phone should have been the best option.
"A picnic? Just the two of us?"
Haruko slapped her head mentally. She didn't mean it to sound hopeful.
"Nope, I'll be bringing Leila!"
That stopped the dizzy world for Haruko.
"Leila?"
"Yup! She's my pet. A golden retriever."
Again, there was this 'feeling' that washed over Haruko, accompanied with relief.
"Oh..."
"So what do you say? Are you in?"
There was really something about the way Rukawa asked her...although she couldn't define it...There was longing. Longing for what? There was hope. Hoping for what? There was emptiness. Searching for what? And most, sadness. Why so?
Haruko was so lost at her thinking that she didn't notice that her brother was grinning. By the time Haruko looked at Akagi to ask for his help, his usual demeanor has returned. Then Akagi said to her.
"You have yet to straighten things out."
That was a lie by Takenori Akagi. Well, part of it that is. He had actually told the whole team about Haruko's supposed to be 'revenge' on Rukawa and they all believed him. Now, he's trying to set things right between Rukawa and Haruko. It might be a crazy idea, but it has to work. It is for the team.
Haruko pouted at his brother. But she knows that he's right. Rukawa inquiring if it's okay with her startled her. She almost forgot that Rukawa was waiting for her answer.
"I'm in."
"Great! So, how about 9 in the morning?"
"That's a good time as any."
"Right....uummm, would you mind if you bring some food?"
For the first time, since Haruko knew Rukawa, she didn't felt irritated.
"I don't mind."
"Thanks. And..."
Rukawa suddenly trailed off. Sensing this Haruko asked him if something's the matter. This surprised Rukawa, and unknown to him, it surprised Akagi also. So Rukawa continued.
"And please bring your article. I would like to talk about it again."
Haruko didn't reply. The line on both sides was so quiet that it was almost deafening for Rukawa and Haruko...and Akagi.
Rukawa and Akagi were praying that Haruko would not burst in anger. Then she finally spoke.
"I will."
"O-okay. So, I'll see you there?"
"Definitely."
"Oyasumi!"
"Oyasumi."
Then they both hang up the phone. Haruko just stared at the phone for a while. Not believing that she actually said yes to a 'picnic' with Rukawa.
'Just wait til Matsui hear it.' Haruko thought.
She turned towards her brother but he's not there anymore.
Haruko sighed. What mess has she gotten herself into?
-------------------------------------------
Rukawa put the phone back to its place and dropped on his bed. Crossing his arms behind his head making it his pillow. He sighed.
//What am I doing?//
He called Haruko Akagi because he wanted to know what's her problem with him. He has been ignoring Haruko's not-so-nice attitude towards him but the gay (Rukawa cringed) incident was too much for him. He wanted to know if she's mad at him and why.
Rukawa looked at his calendar. Tomorrow is 15, a very special day for him.
//Is that why I asked her out?//
It's really not a date, he kept on saying to himself. He was just lonely, and he wanted to share that day with someone, anyone!
//Why can't you make it?//
Before Rukawa could think of any reasons, he had fallen asleep with the thought of wanting to spend the day tomorrow with the one he loves.
-------------------------------------------
"Is that Leila? Wow, she's really cute!"
Rukawa had just introduced Haruko to his golden retriever. Haruko reached for the dog and it seemed to like Haruko instantly because Leila licked Haruko's hand. Rukawa smiled, Leila was choosy when it comes to girls befriending her and him. It seemed like even dogs fall for Rukawa.
"She likes you" Rukawa said.
"Who wouldn't?"
Haruko gave Rukawa a warm smile and for a while there, Rukawa almost forgot why he asked Haruko to this picnic. Shaking his head Rukawa took the basket that Haruko was carrying and decided to find a place for them to hang out.
After finding a Sakura tree, Haruko and Rukawa decided that it was perfect. They started arranging their things and brought out the food. This caused Leila to bark with glee. But Rukawa shook his head at the golden retriever, making the dog drop on its belly and pout. Haruko laughed at that.
"I wana taste this goodies first!" Rukawa said.
"What are we waiting for then, lets eat!"
After some chocolate chip cookies, that were made by Haruko, some sandwiches, some feeding for Leila, Rukawa finally decided that it was time for talking.
"Are you mad at me?"
Rukawa said it so suddenly that Haruko was taken aback by his frankness. She shifted uncomfortably. How would she answer?
"Do you mean because of the article?"
"That, and many more."
"What do you mean by 'many more'?"
"Well, no offense Haruko, but you were not that nice at me since way, way back. I was just ignoring it. Thinking that I was just included in your "irritating" list and it was nothing serious. I did heard from some people that you were angry at me but I really don't know why..."
'Irritating list'? Haruko chuckled at the idea. He was nowhere at the list. He was at the hate list. Well, it was time for Rukawa to know the truth.
"Actually, your on the hate list."
Rukawa blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"H-a-t-e list."
"That's flattering."
"That's the truth."
"...And I'm on that list because?"
This was the hard part for Haruko. She didn't want to admit that she was jealous that Rukawa was besting her at everything.
"I'm jealous."
'Where did that come from', Haruko thought.
"Jealous?"
Rukawa couldn't think of anything that he has that might cause jealousy for Haruko.
"Newspaper editor, president, director, valedictorian.... and the list might go on Rukawa."
Still, Rukawa can't find anything for her to be jealous about and it shows because his eyebrows were in a 'V' form and his face is scrunched up. Haruko noticed this and decided to elaborate.
"You haven't noticed haven't you? That's why I hated you more. I was always behind you Rukawa. Always just the second best. I can't defeat you at anything. It's frustrating you know?"
That's when Rukawa realized that indeed, the name Haruko Akagi was always under his name. Be it the graduation honors or the officers ranking...he never really noticed, until now. How could he miss it?
//That's because you were too busy thinking of-//
Rukawa shook his head. He didn't want to think about it.
"Gomen ne." Rukawa said.
Haruko just smiled half-heartedly. She hated to admit it but it's really not Rukawa's fault. Yes she had given her best at everything; it just so happen that Rukawa Kaede was giving more than what she can do. Then something snapped inside of her. And that is irritation towards him. It's gone.
"I really didn't notice that I was hindering you from your goals..."
"Aw, it's really not your fault."
Again Rukawa shook his head.
"Before I was in Junior High, I was a wild kid. I was always in a fight and my grades were too embarrassing to mention...things were just fucked up. Then I learned to play basketball. It became my life...I was not in a fight anymore, and I was definitely forgetting my study..."
Haruko leaned in closer. She was beginning to find out the force behind his achievements. And she didn't want to miss it. It was a puzzle for her, someone besting her, that is.
"My dad was so furious that he hid all my basketball gears. And he was always lecturing me on how important my education was and everything. At first I didn't understand, I wanted to play ball. But then, I didn't have any choice. I studied. And studied, thinking that if my grades got high, he would let me join the team."
Haruko nodded, that's exactly what she would do if she were in his position. Now that's a dangerous thought. Haruko Akagi agreeing with Kaede Rukawa. It was almost impossible. But Haruko was too busy agreeing with Rukawa to even notice the 'danger' sign that was flashing at the back of her mind.
"But they still didn't let me join the team at junior high. And I thought that what I have done was not yet enough to convince them. So I took up as many things as possible and tried to be number one at anything."
"You are number one at everything."
"Yes, but not in something that I want."
They become silent.
Rukawa can't believe that he's actually telling Haruko these things. He was private when it comes to these things, and only one person knows them beside Rukawa, and now Haruko. But he can't stop telling her. It was like he was speaking at will.
//I can't be doing this//
///but you need it...///
//I don't//
///You're just saying it coz you're afraid that she'll get mad///
//She might.//
///What your problem anyways, it's not as if your violating something. She's just a friend.///
//A friend...//
And before Rukawa could further debate on the topic, Haruko spoke up.
"Gomen, for that incident. I was too...too frustrated with things. Too frustrated with...you."
Rukawa's head shot up towards her. But Haruko was not looking at him, her head was turned opposite of Rukawa's direction. She had this faraway look that made Rukawa's heart do some summersaults. He had never seen Haruko this close. The way her hair was being blown by the wind, the way her brown eyes would give off a soft glow...it seemed that everything about Haruko Akagi was beautiful. Then Haruko turned her attention to Rukawa, causing his momentary stupor to end.
Haruko smiled at him. It was as if she finally understood why Rukawa Kaede was the best in everything.
"I was frustrated why your like that...I mean you're so nice even when I'm rude to you. I just can't understand why you're like that. And from what seemed like disbelief turned out to be jealousy in everything that you do that I can't."
Then Haruko remembered Matsui's words, 'Rukawa brings out the best in you". But she decided not tell it to him. That would be...uummm, not right.
"But I'm beginning to understand why Rukawa."
Rukawa nodded.
"I'm glad we had this picnic." Rukawa said.
Warning signs and danger signs were now being flashed at the back of their heads. But how could they notice it? They were finally finding out that they could be good friends. And Haruko for the second time, since she met Rukawa, will agree to it.
"So am I."
Rukawa smiled.
//Yes, this going to be a good start.//
"Alright, now let's talk about your article. Maybe we can find a way to compromise."
Haruko smiled at that. Compromise, another thing that seemed impossible to her with Rukawa.
"Your not so bad after all..."
So they started sorting Haruko's paper, hoping that by the end of their conversation, a compromise will be reached.
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...Yah, yah, I know it took me long to update. I can't snap out of my post-prelims exam experience.
...Ouch,,, my shoulders hurt! This is one damn long chapter! Well, it's long for me anyways.^^
...Oh yeah, this might confusing for you guys but:
// -are Rukawa's thoughts. I did mention that it's going to be his thoughts in this chapter.
/// -That's his subconscious...ya know, the irritating voice at the back of our heads that tells us obvious things that we tend to ignore....^^
' -Are thoughts by the character who is speaking at the moment.
...If that confusing, help me find a way, tell me what you like...your wish is my command.^^
...Besides diwata-san and kikiam-sama's work, are there any RuHaru fics out there? I've read "torn" by crazygal or jaja...and it's the bomb! I just don't know if she had finished it yet.
...Enough blabbering...I'd like to know what you think of the story so far. And what are the things you expect to happen. I might just give you guys what you want. Nyahahahahaha!!!!