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...
**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?
diwata does Rukawa know? nah...^^
townberry yup, back from the dead. thanks for the warning, i'll keep that in mind.
Rook oi, it's okay!! no need for apology...i was joking back there!^^ (although it'll boost my morale if you'll give a review^^)
afrokane nth times? Rukawa might kill Sakuragi in this chapter!! LOL! joking of course, he'll be a big factor in the upcoming chapters
Ginny W as much as i love to update this story as fast as i want to, i'm kind of busy with my finals exam. gomen ne if my chapters are taking too long to be updated. don't worry, summer is coming...hehehehehe...^^
btw:
// are rukawa's thoughts
' are the person thinking at the moment
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
CHAPTER 8: Best friend Sucks!!
Kaede Rukawa rolled his eyes. He was getting irritated with his companion who was singing, IN VAIN, a song he doesn't understand. Not that the song was unpopular, it's just that SAKURAGI was singing it.
"Flllllllly me to the mooooon and let me plaaaaay among the staaaaaars...let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Maaaarsss....in other wordssss, hold my hand, in other wordsss darling kiss meh..."
//I should just kill him!! No one would miss this do'aho!!// Rukawa thought covering his ears.
"Ne Rukawa, we're going to have a blast!"
"May I remind you that we're going to Haruko's house to work on her article, not to PARTY!!!" Rukawa shouted the last word.
Sakuragi jumped back, covering his ears.
"Geez man. Cool it! Why so grouchy?"
//Why so grouchy? What a question!//
"Your singing irritates me!"
Rukawa pointed a finger on Sakuragi, making the latter a little bit aggravated.
"You're just jealous!"
"Puh-lease..."
"Why you...remember, you cause this last practice and...blah, blah, blah...."
Sakuragi was pointing at the yellowish-violet color across his nose where Rukawa had hit him last practice. Rukawa said while rolling his eyes for nth time. This caused the redhead to go wild. He started shouting accusing words toward Rukawa. Rukawa just rolled his eyes again and threw his hands in the air, totally annoyed.
//Why did I ever agree with his idea?//
----------Flashback-----------
Rukawa look at Haruko's retreating figure for the last before he decided to hit the shower. After half an hour or so, he was putting his shirt on, still thinking or sorting out what had just happened to him towards his feeling on the younger Akagi, when Sakuragi approached him. Rukawa was so into his thoughts that he didn't notice that his been standing there looking at his locker.
//Nah...she's just a friend.//
//Right. So what's your problem?// his sd form suddenly appearing on his left shoulder.
//Nothing...//
//Nothing? Sounds like everything...// sd Rukawa countered, smirking.
//And what's that suppose to mean?//
//I think you know what I mean. Don't try denying it Kaede.//
//I can't...//
//She's not here anymore. And she wont be back. Why can't you accept it?//
//Because its not true. We're not over!!//
//Not over eh?// sd Rukawa said, raising his left eyebrow.
//Yes, but this conversation is!!//
And so, sd Rukawa suddenly vanished.
"DAMMIT!!"
Rukawa shouted to no one. Of course Sakuragi thought he was shouting at him.
"Hey, what did I do wrong?"
Rukawa suddenly threw the mineral water he was holding, out of surprise of course. Unfortunately, Sakuragi wasn't fast enough to dodge the plastic bottle and it hit him square on the nose.
"Yeeooooowwwwcchh!!!"
"Sumimasen!!"
Rukawa run off to find some ice and luckily he found one at the water jug. He hurried back to where he left Sakuragi and handed it to him.
"Eh...I didn't mean it, really." Actually feeling sorry for the redhead.
Hanamichi just shook his head. This caused Rukawa to shift uncomfortably; Sakuragi never let anyone get away without a fight first when someone hits him. But to his surprise, Sakuragi looked at him seriously. This made him shiver; Sakuragi doesn't know that word for gawds sake! He doesn't like what's going to happen next, he can feel it.
"Help me," the redhead said.
"Help you with what?"
"Help me court her."
"Court who? You never told me that you have an eye on someone."
Sakuragi blushed like mad, almost making Rukawa vomit with disgust.
"Oh c'mon! Stop the blushing and tell me her name!"
Sakuragi blushed more if that's possible. Rukawa just stared at him like he totally lost his mind.
"Its...its...uuummmmm..."
"WHO IS IT?"
"Haruko."
Rukawa's world suddenly felt like crumbling. Did he hear it right? Nah...
"Who?"
"Haruko Akagi, you know..."
"YES I KNOW WHO SHE IS!"
"THEN WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME REPEAT HER NAME?!"
"COZ I THOUGHT YOU WERE JOKING!"
Echoes were bouncing back and forth off the wall. It seemed like any minute now, a war, far more intense than America and Iraq was going to happen.
"WHY WOULD I BE JOKING?"
"COZ SHE'S NOT YOUR TYPE OF GIRL!"
"SINCE WHEN DID YOU BECAME ME?"
"I KNOW YOU WELL ENOUGH!"
"WELL SURPRISE-SURPRISE, YOU DONT!"
"WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING?"
"COZ YOU'RE SHOUTING!"
"I'M SHOUTING BECAUSE YOU'RE SHOUTING AT ME!" Rukawa said, pointing a finger on Sakuragi's chest.
"YOU STARTED IT!"
" I DID NOT!"
"YOU DID!"
"DID NOT"
"DID SO!"
"NOT SO!"
"DID"
"NOT!!"
"AAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!"
Both shouted in frustration. After what seem like an eternity of frustration, the shouting faded and they just looked at one another. Rukawa listed his sight towards the ceiling, as if looking at it would give him some explanations.
"Your right, I started it."
Rukawa returned his view towards the redhead and smiled. Sakuragi saw this as his way of apology and nodded.
"Nah...Don't think about it. I should be more giving towards you since I'm asking you a favor."
"A favor?"
"Yeah, Haruko remember? Or are you even listening you...."
"Right, right..."
//Why am I so.... I don't know!//
"So, what do you say? Will you help me?"
"I don't know...what if I don't?"
"I'll put your mobile number on the internet and in front of the gym's entrance."
"That's nasty."
"I'm desperate."
"What's in it for me?"
"I wont be spreading your number."
"Sounds unfair..."
"Is that a no?"
"When do you want to start courting her?"
And so, the two player of Shohoku University started planning with their operation courtship. The redhead being hyped up with the idea and the raven-haired reluctantly agreeing with everything his best friend was telling him.
------------------------END FLASHBACK-------------------------
DING DONG
"Just a sec!"
Haruko looked at her reflection for the last time and finally decided that it was the right clothes for this occasion. She turns around to get the door but when she did, she saw that her room was a mess. Clothes could either be seen on her bed or her table, she'll have to clean it, and fast. Her visitor might think that her room is a dumpsite, which would be bad. As fast as her hand and feet can move, she started cleaning up the mess...all the while reminding herself not to get her crumpled, this is a special 'occasion'.
'Gee, I sound like an over-excited teenager..."
But deep down inside, Haruko Akagi was indeed an over-excited teenager. She hasn't had enough sleep last night. She was tossing and turning so wildly that she almost fell of her bed. 'Why can't I sleep?', that was what keeping her all night. The reason was obvious, she was just denying it. And though she diverted her 'unknown' musings towards a raven- haired boy by going over her article, it didn't help her much. Because Rukawa was coming over her house tomorrow for it.
'THAT, was a bad idea.' referring towards her diversion of choice last night.
How can it help when the editor-in-chief she's trying to please is Rukawa? She opened her television to watch the late night replay of the match between Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards but when she saw Michael Jordan make a fade away shot, she had unconsciously pushed the 'off' button of her remote control. The shot was a hell lot familiar with Rukawa's!
After giving up on trying desperately to divert and on the same time deny her thinking towards Rukawa, she plopped on her bed, facing the ceiling and stared at it deeply, she sighed and finally admitted to herself...
"I can't get you off my mind Kaede Rukawa..."
Haruko said that to no one but her clothes and her room. Finally, and thank God because she finally slept after that, she had come to a conclusion she so much denied. Haruko was seeing Rukawa in a different light...and not just that, she's seeing him everywhere!
DING DONG, DING DONG!
Haruko jumped in surprise, she totally forgot that her visitor was now at the door. She quickly folded her remaining garments and out it in her closet, combed her hair, picked up a neon-elastic band that is color blue and tied her hair in a high ponytail. Looking at her reflection for the last time, she dashed downstairs and went to get the door.
Upon reaching the door, her heart was pounding away like mad. Who wouldn't when you run around doing things so quickly because your visitor is now at the door? But it's not mainly the reason why her heart is pounding away, 75% of it is brought about by the fact that Rukawa is her visitor. (a/n: who wouldn't be excited right? Rukawa at your doorstep?!)
'Breathe in, breathe out, in, out.... here goes nothing.'
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---
"Wonder what's keeping her?"
Rukawa was softly tapping his foot. He was getting fed up with his companion who was still singing his version of 'Fly me to the Moon'. Breathing in deeply, Rukawa leaned on the door and looked up the sky. He was nervous and he doesn't know why. Maybe because he's going to start their 'plan' and is very uncomfortable about it. Maybe because Haruko and him might just get into another argument. Maybe because Sakuragi might be a pain in the ass. Or maybe because...
//Maybe because it's her...//
Rukawa shook his head. He can't think like that, especially now that his best friend revealed to him his affection for Haruko. Again, there's that unexplainable feeling coursing thru him.
"Oi Rukawa, you look bored! C'mon man, this is a happy day!"
"I'm thinking about your plan."
"Isn't it great?"
"I don't know..."
"Hey, don't tell me your backing out?"
"No, no...It's not that."
"Then was is it?"
"It doesn't sound right."
"Then what do you wana do about it?"
Before Rukawa could answer, Haruko opened the door making the leaning Rukawa to fall on his butt.
"Are you okay?"
Haruko said from behind him.
"Yeah, Hey Hanamichi, give me a hand will you."
But Hanamichi wasn't moving, he was looking or more like staring at Haruko. This annoyed Rukawa; he stood up by himself and dusted his dark blue pants. He snapped his finger in front of Sakuragi but no reaction. He started to turn and apologize to Haruko but when he saw her, he knew why Sakuragi was so hypnotized.
Haruko was wearing a white tee shirt and had on a pink sweater. And she was wearing a dark blue skirt, which look great on her because Rukawa can only picture her in training attire, which compose of the same outfit as Ayako's, color being different of course. And to complete her 'outfit' was a white sandal. But what caught Rukawa's attention was her pony-tailed hair. As much as he like Haruko's hair down, her tied up hair made her more stunning. It was like, perfect.
"Uummm, sorry bout that.", Rukawa said, finally shaking from his stupor.
"Nah, it's okay."
Haruko then looked at Sakuragi, she forgot that he would be joining them today. She was slightly disappointed.
'Okay not slightly.' Haruko thought.
"So can we come in?"
Haruko giggled, causing Rukawa's heart to pick up its pace.
"Of course. Ohayou Sakuragi."
"............. "
"Is he okay?"
Rukawa just rolled his eyes.
"I'll be receiving my early x-mas gift if he's dead."
That brought Sakuragi back to reality.
"Teme kitsune! What's that suppose to mean?"
"Finally, back from the la-la land! Don't you know, it's rude to stare?"
Sakuragi blushed and look away.
//Aw c'mon!//
Haruko was looking at them weirdly. There was something different with the way they were acting. She just can't put her hand on it.
"Well anyway guys, come on in."
Haruko led them to the living room and excused herself.
"I'm just going to get my article."
Both nodded and Haruko went towards her room, leaving the two.
"Don't forget okay?"
Sakuragi said, referring to their plan. Rukawa just nodded. A minute passed by and Haruko went back to them with her article.
"So, where do we start?"
------------------------------------------------------------------
After an hour, the three were now on Haruko's bedroom, specifically on the computer. Haruko was typing while Rukawa was at her side guiding her. Hanamichi on the other hand was seated behind Haruko, giving out pointers on what she did right and what she did wrong.
Haruko was impressed for it didn't really cross her mind that Sakuragi was into newspaper. She was having a good time not just because Rukawa is there, Sakuragi was surprisingly fun to hang out with also.
"Wow, an hour and half has passed by. Man, I'm thirsty!"
"I'll go get us some juice."
Haruko got up from her seat and told both the raven-haired and redhead not to touch her things. Both nodded and Haruko exited the room.
"The plan is going perfectly. Thank God I was able to memorize your pointers in writing an article. You sure gave me a lot of them!"
It was his intention to give Sakuragi many pointers so he would be discouraged to memorize it. Heck, he included unimportant detail just to make it long! Who would've thought that he'll be able to memorize it?!
"I can't believe that you were able to memorize it! Anyways, I'll go help Haruko bring the drinks, you wait here okay?"
Rukawa was about to get up from his seat when Sakuragi stopped him. Rukawa groaned, he knew what he was planning.
//Curse it!//
"Let me do the honor."
Rukawa can only nod in agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rukawa was checking their revised article when he heard laughter coming from downstairs. He just rolled his eyes and continued working, typing vigorously, not noticing that he was close to punching hard the keys on Haruko computer.
//Why did I have to agree with his plan? And what are they doing there, why are they laughing? I can't believe Haruko is enjoying his company! I can't believe I'm thinking this way!!//
Finally, the two entered the room and much to Rukawa's distaste, they were still laughing. But he decided to act unaffected. He rose from his seat and Haruko handed him a glass of juice.
"What's all the smiling and laughing about?", Rukawa asked Haruko.
Haruko wiped the tears from her eyes and tried to explain but she kept on laughing. Rukawa raised his eye brow and turn to Sakuragi for explanation, but the latter shifted his view elsewhere.
//This is not good.//
Haruko finally stopped laughing.
"Sakuragi was telling me about your pool experience."
"Uh-huh, he was?"
Rukawa gave Sakuragi a death glare.
//Of all the stories he can tell?!//
"Wow Rukawa that must've been really embarrassing!"
"It was, thanks to this do'aho..."
"Awww, I didn't mean to pull your shorts off!"
"I didn't mean to pull your shorts.nyeh, nyeh, nyeh, CRAP!"
"Hey man, don't take it seriously."
"You used my embarrassing experience to-"
Rukawa stopped himself before he could reveal Sakuragi's secret in front of Haruko. Sakuragi's heart almost stopped for a while. Haruko was still laughing, oblivious to what is happening around her.
"Okay, okay, break it up guys! Mr. editor-in-chief what do you think? Should we print it now?"
Rukawa just sighed, Haruko's entertainment at his expense. His going to kill Sakuragi for this.
"Yeah I finished it already, don't worry it stuck with your original plan."
"Okay, lets do it then. By the way, thanks for helping me out."
"That's okay, I-"
Rukawa stopped in mid sentence because Haruko was not looking at him, he was looking at Sakuragi. This made the redhead smile from ear to ear.
"The pleasure was mine. And I had a good time."
Haruko smiled. Then she turned her attention on Rukawa.
"Thanks a lot Rukawa. I'm glad we compromise, and I'm happy you won the bet."
It was now Rukawa's turn to smile, although softly than Sakuragi. Then he remembered something.
"By the way, I had a great time last Saturday. We should do it again."
Haruko's heart leapt. It was a good idea, the best actually.
"Yeah, we should. We should include Sakuragi next time!"
//That broke the mood.//
Sakuragi was looking back and forth. Haruko seeing his confusion explained to him their picnic last week.
"I didn't know that."
Sakuragi directing the statement towards his best friend. Rukawa just raised both his hands as if saying guilty.
"Well anyways, the next time we go on a picnic come along with us okay?"
Haruko said, inviting Sakuragi without asking Rukawa's opinion. The computer finally finished printing and Rukawa and Haruko checked it for the last time and agreed that it was perfect.
"Okay, I think we should go now. Before your brother comes home and kill us."
"Oh you're exaggerating!"
Both laughed.
"By the way Haruko, don't forget...your going to have to perform for the "welcome party" of the Varsitarian. Have you thought of what performance your going to do?"
"Actually yes..."
Haruko suddenly become shy. Sakuragi was curious on what they were talking about so he asked Rukawa about it.
"It's a party to welcome the new members of the Varsitarian."
"Can I come along?"
Rukawa thought about this for a moment and nodded much to the delight of the redhead.
"So I'll see you later then, at the party?"
"Definitely."
"Bye Haruko!"
"Bye Sakuragi!"
Sakuragi started to walk away on a cloud 9 state. Rukawa smiled at this.
//He got it bad.//
"Good luck later Haruko."
"Thanks."
Then they stood there for a moment, as if waiting for one to speak up. Rukawa broke the silence by taking Haruko's hand, making the girl blush. Rukawa didn't know what he was doing; it was as if someone had made him do it.
//Well, it's here now.//
"I had a good time Haruko, really."
Haruko could only nod.
"Would you like me to pick you up later before the party starts?"
"Iyee, niisan we'll be with me."
"Oh."
Again, lapse of silence ensues. Rukawa wanted to say something but a flash of someone's face made him stop and drop Haruko's hand quickly. This surprised Haruko but nonetheless, she was contented.
"Okay, good luck again. See ya later."
"You take care and thanks again for helping out."
Rukawa waved for the last time and jogged away to catch up with Sakuragi. Haruko looked at his retreating figure.
"Listen to me this evening Rukawa..."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------
The crowd was pumped up, the members we're trying to control them while Haruko Akagi was shifting nervously at the left side of the stage, waiting for her introduction.
"And now lets give a round of applause for our opinion column writer, Haruko Akagi!"
Sakuragi and Rukawa clapped loudly, shouting words of encouragement towards Haruko who was wearing a pink dress. She went to the middle of the stage and the first note of the song started playing.
Don't stray, don't ever go away I should be much too smart for this You know it gets the better of me sometimes When you & I collide I fall into an ocean of you Pull me out in time don't met me drown, let me down I say it's all because of you
Rukawa was lost...she can't keep his eyes off Haruko. It was as if she's singing it for someone.
//Who can it be Haruko?//
And here I go losing my control I'm practicing your name so I can say it to your face It doesn't seem right to look you in the eye And let all the things you mean to me come tumbling out my mouth Indeed it's time to tell you why I say it's infinitely true
Haruko was nervous but the song was so...fit for her situation that she can feel it.
'I hope your listening well...'
Say you'll stay don't come & go like you do Sway my way yeah I need to know all about you
And there's no cure & no way to be sure Why everything's turned inside out, instilling so much doubt It makes me so tired, I feel so uninspired My head is battling with my heart, my logic has been torn apart And now it all turns sour, come sweeten every afternoon
Haruko can't help but smile. The crowd is now singing along. It was an infectious song after all.
Say you'll stay don't come & go like you do Sway my way yeah I need to know all about you
It's all because of you It's all because of you
Now it all turns sour come sweeten every afternoon It's time to tell you why I say it's infinitely true
Rukawa unconsciously moved forward, trying as much to have a good view of the girl who has been on his mind for the past few days.
Say you'll stay don't come & go like you do Sway my way yeah I need to know all about you
Haruko looked around for Rukawa, the song was about to end, and she wanted to know if he's been listening. And she found him, advancing from his position, pushing thru the crowd, looking at her...
It's all because of you It's all because of you It's all because of you
She finished the last line of the song with her gaze directed towards Rukawa. It was the boldest movement she had ever done in her life.
The crowd went wild after that but Haruko was not paying attention on it. All she can think of was the raven-haired boy that was lost in the crowd.
'Where can he be?'
Suddenly, a bouquet popped in front of her. She smiled, she didn't thought that Rukawa was thoughtful enough to give her flowers.
"Congratulations Haruko, you were great."
Haruko's heart sank, it was Sakuragi. But she recovered fast enough for the redhead to notice. She really appreciates it but she was hoping that it was Rukawa.
"Arigatou Sakuragi."
On the left side of the stage, a stunned Rukawa who was on his way towards Haruko with his own set of bouquet felt his heart constricts. He wanted to punch Sakuragi so bad that he almost did. But when he saw Haruko smile, he turned around and started to walk towards the balcony.
//I have no right.you're so stupid Kaede!//
"Rukawa!"
He turn around hoping to see Haruko making her way towards him, unfortunately it was not the case.
"Wasn't Ms. Akagi great?!"
"Hai, she was the best."
He excused himself from the person and resumes his way towards his destination, which is the balcony of the hotel. Tightly holding the flowers, he cursed everything that's happening to himself.
//Best friend sucks!//
Saying so, he threw the flowers and the wind brought them to different direction...so was Rukawa's thought's. Oblivious to the surroundings around him, he didn't notice the curtains moving where the former occupant used to stand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
....aaaaaahhhhh yes, finally finished the 8 installment. Sorry if it took me so long to update this story.
....Actually, when I wrote this story, I was inspired by the RuHaru family at afrokane's website. Everyone's so pumped up to make a story. Yay!!
...it wasn't in my plan to put a song here, but then I was listening to my mp3 and the idea's came rushing in at will.^^
.... What do you think of the story so far? Please make a review and tell me. I need help people. Give me ideas!
.... Last but definitely not the least...WHO THE HELL WAS AT THE CURTAIN?!^^
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...
**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?
diwata does Rukawa know? nah...^^
townberry yup, back from the dead. thanks for the warning, i'll keep that in mind.
Rook oi, it's okay!! no need for apology...i was joking back there!^^ (although it'll boost my morale if you'll give a review^^)
afrokane nth times? Rukawa might kill Sakuragi in this chapter!! LOL! joking of course, he'll be a big factor in the upcoming chapters
Ginny W as much as i love to update this story as fast as i want to, i'm kind of busy with my finals exam. gomen ne if my chapters are taking too long to be updated. don't worry, summer is coming...hehehehehe...^^
btw:
// are rukawa's thoughts
' are the person thinking at the moment
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
CHAPTER 8: Best friend Sucks!!
Kaede Rukawa rolled his eyes. He was getting irritated with his companion who was singing, IN VAIN, a song he doesn't understand. Not that the song was unpopular, it's just that SAKURAGI was singing it.
"Flllllllly me to the mooooon and let me plaaaaay among the staaaaaars...let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Maaaarsss....in other wordssss, hold my hand, in other wordsss darling kiss meh..."
//I should just kill him!! No one would miss this do'aho!!// Rukawa thought covering his ears.
"Ne Rukawa, we're going to have a blast!"
"May I remind you that we're going to Haruko's house to work on her article, not to PARTY!!!" Rukawa shouted the last word.
Sakuragi jumped back, covering his ears.
"Geez man. Cool it! Why so grouchy?"
//Why so grouchy? What a question!//
"Your singing irritates me!"
Rukawa pointed a finger on Sakuragi, making the latter a little bit aggravated.
"You're just jealous!"
"Puh-lease..."
"Why you...remember, you cause this last practice and...blah, blah, blah...."
Sakuragi was pointing at the yellowish-violet color across his nose where Rukawa had hit him last practice. Rukawa said while rolling his eyes for nth time. This caused the redhead to go wild. He started shouting accusing words toward Rukawa. Rukawa just rolled his eyes again and threw his hands in the air, totally annoyed.
//Why did I ever agree with his idea?//
----------Flashback-----------
Rukawa look at Haruko's retreating figure for the last before he decided to hit the shower. After half an hour or so, he was putting his shirt on, still thinking or sorting out what had just happened to him towards his feeling on the younger Akagi, when Sakuragi approached him. Rukawa was so into his thoughts that he didn't notice that his been standing there looking at his locker.
//Nah...she's just a friend.//
//Right. So what's your problem?// his sd form suddenly appearing on his left shoulder.
//Nothing...//
//Nothing? Sounds like everything...// sd Rukawa countered, smirking.
//And what's that suppose to mean?//
//I think you know what I mean. Don't try denying it Kaede.//
//I can't...//
//She's not here anymore. And she wont be back. Why can't you accept it?//
//Because its not true. We're not over!!//
//Not over eh?// sd Rukawa said, raising his left eyebrow.
//Yes, but this conversation is!!//
And so, sd Rukawa suddenly vanished.
"DAMMIT!!"
Rukawa shouted to no one. Of course Sakuragi thought he was shouting at him.
"Hey, what did I do wrong?"
Rukawa suddenly threw the mineral water he was holding, out of surprise of course. Unfortunately, Sakuragi wasn't fast enough to dodge the plastic bottle and it hit him square on the nose.
"Yeeooooowwwwcchh!!!"
"Sumimasen!!"
Rukawa run off to find some ice and luckily he found one at the water jug. He hurried back to where he left Sakuragi and handed it to him.
"Eh...I didn't mean it, really." Actually feeling sorry for the redhead.
Hanamichi just shook his head. This caused Rukawa to shift uncomfortably; Sakuragi never let anyone get away without a fight first when someone hits him. But to his surprise, Sakuragi looked at him seriously. This made him shiver; Sakuragi doesn't know that word for gawds sake! He doesn't like what's going to happen next, he can feel it.
"Help me," the redhead said.
"Help you with what?"
"Help me court her."
"Court who? You never told me that you have an eye on someone."
Sakuragi blushed like mad, almost making Rukawa vomit with disgust.
"Oh c'mon! Stop the blushing and tell me her name!"
Sakuragi blushed more if that's possible. Rukawa just stared at him like he totally lost his mind.
"Its...its...uuummmmm..."
"WHO IS IT?"
"Haruko."
Rukawa's world suddenly felt like crumbling. Did he hear it right? Nah...
"Who?"
"Haruko Akagi, you know..."
"YES I KNOW WHO SHE IS!"
"THEN WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME REPEAT HER NAME?!"
"COZ I THOUGHT YOU WERE JOKING!"
Echoes were bouncing back and forth off the wall. It seemed like any minute now, a war, far more intense than America and Iraq was going to happen.
"WHY WOULD I BE JOKING?"
"COZ SHE'S NOT YOUR TYPE OF GIRL!"
"SINCE WHEN DID YOU BECAME ME?"
"I KNOW YOU WELL ENOUGH!"
"WELL SURPRISE-SURPRISE, YOU DONT!"
"WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING?"
"COZ YOU'RE SHOUTING!"
"I'M SHOUTING BECAUSE YOU'RE SHOUTING AT ME!" Rukawa said, pointing a finger on Sakuragi's chest.
"YOU STARTED IT!"
" I DID NOT!"
"YOU DID!"
"DID NOT"
"DID SO!"
"NOT SO!"
"DID"
"NOT!!"
"AAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!"
Both shouted in frustration. After what seem like an eternity of frustration, the shouting faded and they just looked at one another. Rukawa listed his sight towards the ceiling, as if looking at it would give him some explanations.
"Your right, I started it."
Rukawa returned his view towards the redhead and smiled. Sakuragi saw this as his way of apology and nodded.
"Nah...Don't think about it. I should be more giving towards you since I'm asking you a favor."
"A favor?"
"Yeah, Haruko remember? Or are you even listening you...."
"Right, right..."
//Why am I so.... I don't know!//
"So, what do you say? Will you help me?"
"I don't know...what if I don't?"
"I'll put your mobile number on the internet and in front of the gym's entrance."
"That's nasty."
"I'm desperate."
"What's in it for me?"
"I wont be spreading your number."
"Sounds unfair..."
"Is that a no?"
"When do you want to start courting her?"
And so, the two player of Shohoku University started planning with their operation courtship. The redhead being hyped up with the idea and the raven-haired reluctantly agreeing with everything his best friend was telling him.
------------------------END FLASHBACK-------------------------
DING DONG
"Just a sec!"
Haruko looked at her reflection for the last time and finally decided that it was the right clothes for this occasion. She turns around to get the door but when she did, she saw that her room was a mess. Clothes could either be seen on her bed or her table, she'll have to clean it, and fast. Her visitor might think that her room is a dumpsite, which would be bad. As fast as her hand and feet can move, she started cleaning up the mess...all the while reminding herself not to get her crumpled, this is a special 'occasion'.
'Gee, I sound like an over-excited teenager..."
But deep down inside, Haruko Akagi was indeed an over-excited teenager. She hasn't had enough sleep last night. She was tossing and turning so wildly that she almost fell of her bed. 'Why can't I sleep?', that was what keeping her all night. The reason was obvious, she was just denying it. And though she diverted her 'unknown' musings towards a raven- haired boy by going over her article, it didn't help her much. Because Rukawa was coming over her house tomorrow for it.
'THAT, was a bad idea.' referring towards her diversion of choice last night.
How can it help when the editor-in-chief she's trying to please is Rukawa? She opened her television to watch the late night replay of the match between Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards but when she saw Michael Jordan make a fade away shot, she had unconsciously pushed the 'off' button of her remote control. The shot was a hell lot familiar with Rukawa's!
After giving up on trying desperately to divert and on the same time deny her thinking towards Rukawa, she plopped on her bed, facing the ceiling and stared at it deeply, she sighed and finally admitted to herself...
"I can't get you off my mind Kaede Rukawa..."
Haruko said that to no one but her clothes and her room. Finally, and thank God because she finally slept after that, she had come to a conclusion she so much denied. Haruko was seeing Rukawa in a different light...and not just that, she's seeing him everywhere!
DING DONG, DING DONG!
Haruko jumped in surprise, she totally forgot that her visitor was now at the door. She quickly folded her remaining garments and out it in her closet, combed her hair, picked up a neon-elastic band that is color blue and tied her hair in a high ponytail. Looking at her reflection for the last time, she dashed downstairs and went to get the door.
Upon reaching the door, her heart was pounding away like mad. Who wouldn't when you run around doing things so quickly because your visitor is now at the door? But it's not mainly the reason why her heart is pounding away, 75% of it is brought about by the fact that Rukawa is her visitor. (a/n: who wouldn't be excited right? Rukawa at your doorstep?!)
'Breathe in, breathe out, in, out.... here goes nothing.'
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---
"Wonder what's keeping her?"
Rukawa was softly tapping his foot. He was getting fed up with his companion who was still singing his version of 'Fly me to the Moon'. Breathing in deeply, Rukawa leaned on the door and looked up the sky. He was nervous and he doesn't know why. Maybe because he's going to start their 'plan' and is very uncomfortable about it. Maybe because Haruko and him might just get into another argument. Maybe because Sakuragi might be a pain in the ass. Or maybe because...
//Maybe because it's her...//
Rukawa shook his head. He can't think like that, especially now that his best friend revealed to him his affection for Haruko. Again, there's that unexplainable feeling coursing thru him.
"Oi Rukawa, you look bored! C'mon man, this is a happy day!"
"I'm thinking about your plan."
"Isn't it great?"
"I don't know..."
"Hey, don't tell me your backing out?"
"No, no...It's not that."
"Then was is it?"
"It doesn't sound right."
"Then what do you wana do about it?"
Before Rukawa could answer, Haruko opened the door making the leaning Rukawa to fall on his butt.
"Are you okay?"
Haruko said from behind him.
"Yeah, Hey Hanamichi, give me a hand will you."
But Hanamichi wasn't moving, he was looking or more like staring at Haruko. This annoyed Rukawa; he stood up by himself and dusted his dark blue pants. He snapped his finger in front of Sakuragi but no reaction. He started to turn and apologize to Haruko but when he saw her, he knew why Sakuragi was so hypnotized.
Haruko was wearing a white tee shirt and had on a pink sweater. And she was wearing a dark blue skirt, which look great on her because Rukawa can only picture her in training attire, which compose of the same outfit as Ayako's, color being different of course. And to complete her 'outfit' was a white sandal. But what caught Rukawa's attention was her pony-tailed hair. As much as he like Haruko's hair down, her tied up hair made her more stunning. It was like, perfect.
"Uummm, sorry bout that.", Rukawa said, finally shaking from his stupor.
"Nah, it's okay."
Haruko then looked at Sakuragi, she forgot that he would be joining them today. She was slightly disappointed.
'Okay not slightly.' Haruko thought.
"So can we come in?"
Haruko giggled, causing Rukawa's heart to pick up its pace.
"Of course. Ohayou Sakuragi."
"............. "
"Is he okay?"
Rukawa just rolled his eyes.
"I'll be receiving my early x-mas gift if he's dead."
That brought Sakuragi back to reality.
"Teme kitsune! What's that suppose to mean?"
"Finally, back from the la-la land! Don't you know, it's rude to stare?"
Sakuragi blushed and look away.
//Aw c'mon!//
Haruko was looking at them weirdly. There was something different with the way they were acting. She just can't put her hand on it.
"Well anyway guys, come on in."
Haruko led them to the living room and excused herself.
"I'm just going to get my article."
Both nodded and Haruko went towards her room, leaving the two.
"Don't forget okay?"
Sakuragi said, referring to their plan. Rukawa just nodded. A minute passed by and Haruko went back to them with her article.
"So, where do we start?"
------------------------------------------------------------------
After an hour, the three were now on Haruko's bedroom, specifically on the computer. Haruko was typing while Rukawa was at her side guiding her. Hanamichi on the other hand was seated behind Haruko, giving out pointers on what she did right and what she did wrong.
Haruko was impressed for it didn't really cross her mind that Sakuragi was into newspaper. She was having a good time not just because Rukawa is there, Sakuragi was surprisingly fun to hang out with also.
"Wow, an hour and half has passed by. Man, I'm thirsty!"
"I'll go get us some juice."
Haruko got up from her seat and told both the raven-haired and redhead not to touch her things. Both nodded and Haruko exited the room.
"The plan is going perfectly. Thank God I was able to memorize your pointers in writing an article. You sure gave me a lot of them!"
It was his intention to give Sakuragi many pointers so he would be discouraged to memorize it. Heck, he included unimportant detail just to make it long! Who would've thought that he'll be able to memorize it?!
"I can't believe that you were able to memorize it! Anyways, I'll go help Haruko bring the drinks, you wait here okay?"
Rukawa was about to get up from his seat when Sakuragi stopped him. Rukawa groaned, he knew what he was planning.
//Curse it!//
"Let me do the honor."
Rukawa can only nod in agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rukawa was checking their revised article when he heard laughter coming from downstairs. He just rolled his eyes and continued working, typing vigorously, not noticing that he was close to punching hard the keys on Haruko computer.
//Why did I have to agree with his plan? And what are they doing there, why are they laughing? I can't believe Haruko is enjoying his company! I can't believe I'm thinking this way!!//
Finally, the two entered the room and much to Rukawa's distaste, they were still laughing. But he decided to act unaffected. He rose from his seat and Haruko handed him a glass of juice.
"What's all the smiling and laughing about?", Rukawa asked Haruko.
Haruko wiped the tears from her eyes and tried to explain but she kept on laughing. Rukawa raised his eye brow and turn to Sakuragi for explanation, but the latter shifted his view elsewhere.
//This is not good.//
Haruko finally stopped laughing.
"Sakuragi was telling me about your pool experience."
"Uh-huh, he was?"
Rukawa gave Sakuragi a death glare.
//Of all the stories he can tell?!//
"Wow Rukawa that must've been really embarrassing!"
"It was, thanks to this do'aho..."
"Awww, I didn't mean to pull your shorts off!"
"I didn't mean to pull your shorts.nyeh, nyeh, nyeh, CRAP!"
"Hey man, don't take it seriously."
"You used my embarrassing experience to-"
Rukawa stopped himself before he could reveal Sakuragi's secret in front of Haruko. Sakuragi's heart almost stopped for a while. Haruko was still laughing, oblivious to what is happening around her.
"Okay, okay, break it up guys! Mr. editor-in-chief what do you think? Should we print it now?"
Rukawa just sighed, Haruko's entertainment at his expense. His going to kill Sakuragi for this.
"Yeah I finished it already, don't worry it stuck with your original plan."
"Okay, lets do it then. By the way, thanks for helping me out."
"That's okay, I-"
Rukawa stopped in mid sentence because Haruko was not looking at him, he was looking at Sakuragi. This made the redhead smile from ear to ear.
"The pleasure was mine. And I had a good time."
Haruko smiled. Then she turned her attention on Rukawa.
"Thanks a lot Rukawa. I'm glad we compromise, and I'm happy you won the bet."
It was now Rukawa's turn to smile, although softly than Sakuragi. Then he remembered something.
"By the way, I had a great time last Saturday. We should do it again."
Haruko's heart leapt. It was a good idea, the best actually.
"Yeah, we should. We should include Sakuragi next time!"
//That broke the mood.//
Sakuragi was looking back and forth. Haruko seeing his confusion explained to him their picnic last week.
"I didn't know that."
Sakuragi directing the statement towards his best friend. Rukawa just raised both his hands as if saying guilty.
"Well anyways, the next time we go on a picnic come along with us okay?"
Haruko said, inviting Sakuragi without asking Rukawa's opinion. The computer finally finished printing and Rukawa and Haruko checked it for the last time and agreed that it was perfect.
"Okay, I think we should go now. Before your brother comes home and kill us."
"Oh you're exaggerating!"
Both laughed.
"By the way Haruko, don't forget...your going to have to perform for the "welcome party" of the Varsitarian. Have you thought of what performance your going to do?"
"Actually yes..."
Haruko suddenly become shy. Sakuragi was curious on what they were talking about so he asked Rukawa about it.
"It's a party to welcome the new members of the Varsitarian."
"Can I come along?"
Rukawa thought about this for a moment and nodded much to the delight of the redhead.
"So I'll see you later then, at the party?"
"Definitely."
"Bye Haruko!"
"Bye Sakuragi!"
Sakuragi started to walk away on a cloud 9 state. Rukawa smiled at this.
//He got it bad.//
"Good luck later Haruko."
"Thanks."
Then they stood there for a moment, as if waiting for one to speak up. Rukawa broke the silence by taking Haruko's hand, making the girl blush. Rukawa didn't know what he was doing; it was as if someone had made him do it.
//Well, it's here now.//
"I had a good time Haruko, really."
Haruko could only nod.
"Would you like me to pick you up later before the party starts?"
"Iyee, niisan we'll be with me."
"Oh."
Again, lapse of silence ensues. Rukawa wanted to say something but a flash of someone's face made him stop and drop Haruko's hand quickly. This surprised Haruko but nonetheless, she was contented.
"Okay, good luck again. See ya later."
"You take care and thanks again for helping out."
Rukawa waved for the last time and jogged away to catch up with Sakuragi. Haruko looked at his retreating figure.
"Listen to me this evening Rukawa..."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------
The crowd was pumped up, the members we're trying to control them while Haruko Akagi was shifting nervously at the left side of the stage, waiting for her introduction.
"And now lets give a round of applause for our opinion column writer, Haruko Akagi!"
Sakuragi and Rukawa clapped loudly, shouting words of encouragement towards Haruko who was wearing a pink dress. She went to the middle of the stage and the first note of the song started playing.
Don't stray, don't ever go away I should be much too smart for this You know it gets the better of me sometimes When you & I collide I fall into an ocean of you Pull me out in time don't met me drown, let me down I say it's all because of you
Rukawa was lost...she can't keep his eyes off Haruko. It was as if she's singing it for someone.
//Who can it be Haruko?//
And here I go losing my control I'm practicing your name so I can say it to your face It doesn't seem right to look you in the eye And let all the things you mean to me come tumbling out my mouth Indeed it's time to tell you why I say it's infinitely true
Haruko was nervous but the song was so...fit for her situation that she can feel it.
'I hope your listening well...'
Say you'll stay don't come & go like you do Sway my way yeah I need to know all about you
And there's no cure & no way to be sure Why everything's turned inside out, instilling so much doubt It makes me so tired, I feel so uninspired My head is battling with my heart, my logic has been torn apart And now it all turns sour, come sweeten every afternoon
Haruko can't help but smile. The crowd is now singing along. It was an infectious song after all.
Say you'll stay don't come & go like you do Sway my way yeah I need to know all about you
It's all because of you It's all because of you
Now it all turns sour come sweeten every afternoon It's time to tell you why I say it's infinitely true
Rukawa unconsciously moved forward, trying as much to have a good view of the girl who has been on his mind for the past few days.
Say you'll stay don't come & go like you do Sway my way yeah I need to know all about you
Haruko looked around for Rukawa, the song was about to end, and she wanted to know if he's been listening. And she found him, advancing from his position, pushing thru the crowd, looking at her...
It's all because of you It's all because of you It's all because of you
She finished the last line of the song with her gaze directed towards Rukawa. It was the boldest movement she had ever done in her life.
The crowd went wild after that but Haruko was not paying attention on it. All she can think of was the raven-haired boy that was lost in the crowd.
'Where can he be?'
Suddenly, a bouquet popped in front of her. She smiled, she didn't thought that Rukawa was thoughtful enough to give her flowers.
"Congratulations Haruko, you were great."
Haruko's heart sank, it was Sakuragi. But she recovered fast enough for the redhead to notice. She really appreciates it but she was hoping that it was Rukawa.
"Arigatou Sakuragi."
On the left side of the stage, a stunned Rukawa who was on his way towards Haruko with his own set of bouquet felt his heart constricts. He wanted to punch Sakuragi so bad that he almost did. But when he saw Haruko smile, he turned around and started to walk towards the balcony.
//I have no right.you're so stupid Kaede!//
"Rukawa!"
He turn around hoping to see Haruko making her way towards him, unfortunately it was not the case.
"Wasn't Ms. Akagi great?!"
"Hai, she was the best."
He excused himself from the person and resumes his way towards his destination, which is the balcony of the hotel. Tightly holding the flowers, he cursed everything that's happening to himself.
//Best friend sucks!//
Saying so, he threw the flowers and the wind brought them to different direction...so was Rukawa's thought's. Oblivious to the surroundings around him, he didn't notice the curtains moving where the former occupant used to stand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
....aaaaaahhhhh yes, finally finished the 8 installment. Sorry if it took me so long to update this story.
....Actually, when I wrote this story, I was inspired by the RuHaru family at afrokane's website. Everyone's so pumped up to make a story. Yay!!
...it wasn't in my plan to put a song here, but then I was listening to my mp3 and the idea's came rushing in at will.^^
.... What do you think of the story so far? Please make a review and tell me. I need help people. Give me ideas!
.... Last but definitely not the least...WHO THE HELL WAS AT THE CURTAIN?!^^