NOW WHO'S THE MAN?
By nightjade
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN SLAM DUNK...geez! I don't want to say this anymore! It's getting too depressing already! sniff!
Chapter 4: Forgiven but not forgotten..
Rukawa kicked a pebble as he made his way home and watched it tumble down the street. Hands in his pockets, he contemplated on today's events, which he found very irritating. First, he had mustered enough guts to go to Kainan, a school he very much hated, to ask Nasumi to come with him to the nationals, only to be interrupted by the manipulative senior with the movable mole...a person whose skills he appreciated greatly but whose attitude he found annoying. Then came Sendoh: someone he wanted so much to beat and had other cruel intentions in mind ( Warning: steal Nasumi away from him!).
These events greatly disturbed him and he wanted answers.
Why would dorks line up for her, anyway? They actually have the nerve to talk to her!
He was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't notice he was already walking in the middle of the road. A car suddenly honked from behind, making him jump aside in surprise like a frightened street cat.
Do'ahou!
Sliding his hands in his pockets again, he continued walking and felt somewhat relieved as the cool afternoon breeze gently blew, touching his face. He needed this moment of reflection before the games begin. He could not afford to be distracted much less be in any incompetent condition. The whole team depended on him. He could not let them down...he could not let her down.
I wish I could tell her...
His thoughts were interrupted when up ahead, he saw two familiar figures walking towards him and he opened his eyes further (which were half closed already, thanks to the "gentle breeze") to see who they were. It turns out that they saw him, too.
"Rukawa-kun!"
His eyes turned to a waving Haruko Akagi who was with her brother Takenori, their team captain. Suddenly, he swallowed hard, remembering how he had acted earlier during practice. He knew Akagi would tell him on about not concentrating on the game.
"Rukawa."
He saw the big gorilla come up to him and he waited for whatever it is he had to say. He was getting nervous.
"Captain." He acknowledged, not really looking into his eyes.
The team captain's massive figure loomed over him like a redwood tree making Rukawa feel like a bonsai in comparison.
"Are you feeling better, Rukawa?"
This slapped him right on the face and he could not help looking a bit surprised. (a bit unusual for his stoic manner but hey,...that's the gori effect for you!)
"A little."
Haruko was looking at him with puppy eyes and he hated it.
I wish she would stop doing that!
Without any warning, as soon as he noticed her, something about her triggered his memory. It was something he saw at Nasumi's house...a trophy that had the name Yonchu High School on it. He remembered that name all too well. It was very close to the school where he came from, Tamigaoka High. Recalling an incident regarding that red haired do'ahou and his affection for Haruko, he remembered her mentioning that she came from Yonchu.
Maybe...she knows Nasumi. I can ask all about her!
Steeling himself for what he was about to do, he cleared his throat and without thinking twice, he looked up at Akagi who was eyeing him rather suspiciously. He swallowed hard again. This was not going to be easy.
"Captain, may I...walk Haruko home?"
This startled the siblings and they blinked twice before turning back to their normal selves.
Haruko started blushing wildly and Akagi seemed at a loss for words. Rukawa sighed inwardly.
She's so pathetic! Why does she have to look like a lovesick puppy in front of me? Does she think I like her or something?
It took every single muscle of his body to keep him from shuddering at the thought.
Haruko fiddled with her fingers and refused to meet his eyes. Thank heavens for that little blessing! He did not want to be outright mean to her too...well, not in front of her brother, that is. Besides, all he wanted was to ask her about Nasumi.
Takenori looked thoughtful for a moment and Rukawa was afraid that he wouldn't get that interview. He kept his fingers crossed inside his pockets.
"If it's ok with Haruko..." he finally replied, looking at his younger sister.
Haruko nodded eagerly and Rukawa had to keep himself from gagging. Such a credulous kid!
Takenori smiled at his sister's eagerness and sighed.
"Alright. I'll go ahead. Take care of her, Rukawa."
Then giving them one last look, he turned and walked away, leaving the two of them standing on the sidewalk. When his huge form vanished from view, Rukawa sighed inwardly in relief.
Finally, I can get that interview.
He turned to Haruko who still had that shy embarrassed look on her face. He felt bad all of a sudden...well, slightly bad, that is...for wishing she would just leave him be. He had to give it to her. She still hangs on despite the fact that he hardly even notices her around campus.
Why doesn't she just shift her attention to that do'ahou? He seems to like her very much. How come she doesn't see that and keeps on getting her hopes up with me? Geez!
"Shall we go?"
Haruko snapped out of her own thoughts and blushed again as she nodded. She was beginning to look like a Chinese doll!
They walked a couple of paces before Rukawa decided to open fire.
"Haruko, you went to Yonchu High, ne?"
This startled her and Rukawa wondered how much caffeine she must have taken today. It seems as if every little detail is enough to send her running straight home.
'Hai. Why do you ask?"
Rukawa looked up the sky...there were lots of clouds rolling by...and took a deep breath before answering.
"Do you know anyone named Nasumi Maia?"
Surprisingly, Haruko's eyes widened in both wonder and delight.
"Hai! You've met her? How is she?" she rattled on, barely able to keep her excitement.
Rukawa's hopes suddenly soared.
"So you do know her. Can you please tell me about her?"
Haruko stopped for a moment at this sudden question. She was hoping all the time that Rukawa was finally getting to notice her and that he wanted to talk about her and not some other girl. She's supposed to feel bad but the person he was asking about gave her more joy than disappointment. She did know Nasumi. In fact they had a very rocky history in Jr. High.
They stopped a few gates away from Haruko's house and she invited him to sit on one of the lawns. If she was going to tell him a story, they might as well do it sitting down. She took a deep breath before starting.
"Nasumi was a very gifted volleyball player in Yonchu. Our team won the regional because of her superb skills and even won the MVP award in the 7th grade. She was very popular because of that and aside from being very pretty, she was also very intelligent."
She stole a glance at Rukawa and saw him with a faraway look. Strange, it's as if he's thinking of something very deep and listening at the same time...if he's still tuned, that is.
Rukawa looked sideways at her and she blushed, quickly looking away.
"Please continue."
Haruko nodded and stared at her hands.
"Another factor that contributed to her popularity was her friendship to Saiye Natsuhiro."
"Yonchu's basketball MVP." he mused aloud, much to her surprise.
"Hai. Saiye was very popular too because as much as she was a very good player, she was sociable as well. They were the best of friends and everyone often mistook them as sisters. Though as much as Saiye was friendly, Nasumi was quite...snobbish."
This earned her a questioning look from him (actually, his expressions are all the same so looking at her after that statement would mean something not good!).
"Snobbish?" There was a hint of disbelief in his voice, something very unusual in his normal monotone. Haruko wondered how much he knew her to be thinking this way.
"Well, that's what our other classmates put it. She wasn't really very friendly and it was also a big issue in school that she mingled with the wrong people."
Another surprised look from Kaede. The wrong people. In their district, that would only be...
"Junkies." he mused, finishing his thoughts aloud.
Haruko paused again, this time a bit longer to let him ingest her story. Part of her was glad that they were having this kind of interaction...that Kaede was actually speaking to her. Another part of her, however, was anxious to get the story over with and shift to another topic.
His next statement caught her off guard.
"I remember Saiye died after the Kanagawa regional two years ago. They said it was an accident." He left the sentence hanging, not wanting to voice out the next question in his mind:
How did Nasumi take it?
As if reading his thoughts, Haruko nodded and took a deep breath. Her eyes misted at the memory of that particular night. Saiye was a good team captain and friend. She encouraged Haruko to practice until she honed her skills enough and even stayed after school just to give her advance training.
She hugged her knees close before she began.
"It happened right after the game, when the basketball team won the championship and everyone attended the victory party. Everyone except Saiye..."
"What do you mean you're NOT going?!"
Saiye Natsuhiro smiled at her best friend's irritated remark. As always, whenever Nasumi would not get what she wanted, her temper would flare up and send sparks flying. She was used to it, having known her since grade school. She hasn't changed a bit, not even in Jr. High.
"I'm sorry, Niccy. But I promised mom I'll be home in time for dinner. Oniichan's coming home, remember? It's the least I could do to welcome him back.," she reasoned out as calmly as possible. This effort, however, was ignored.
Nasumi Maia could not believe that her best friend would not be attending this very important party..HER party...HER team's victory party! She crossed her arms angrily on her chest and glared daggers at her.
"Your brother can live with you till the end of time. This happening occurs only once a year! We may not become champions again next year so why give up this night? It's just for a couple of hours? Can't your brother wait?"
Saiye shook her head. Nasumi was really being stubborn especially if the topic is about her brother. It was one of the few sad facts she had to deal with. They never got along well.
"You know it's more than that," she said simply. Arguing with Nasumi further would just bring them nowhere.
Their argument was not exclusive. Everyone in the gym was actually listening, thanks to Nasumi's tantrums.
"How could you not go? It won't be fun without you there! I won't enjoy the evening!" she wailed throwing her hands up in frustration.
This earned her a soft chuckle from Saiye, despite the tensed mood.
"Of course you will have fun! Nothing like this has ever stopped you before, ne?"
Nasumi did not answer and continued to grumble.
"Look, if it's gonna be of any consolation, I'll follow as soon as dinner's over. At least, that's a compromise. Is it ok with you?" Saiye added, flashing her best friend a winning smile.
Still, Nasumi did not answer.
"Niccy, I know you can't stay mad at me for long." Saiye tried again.
Stony silence still.
Saiye sighed and rolled her eyes up. There was only one way to break up Nasumi's sour mood and as much as she hated to do it, it was her only option. Taking a deep breath, she began singing in her sweetest kindergarten voice:
"I'M A LITTLE TEAPOT, SHORT AND STOUT..."
Right on cue, Nasumi's face turned into a disgusted scowl and she faced her best friend, her hands landing on her hips.
"Alright! Alright! I get your point! Just don't sing that stupid song, ok?" she snapped.
Saiye had to keep herself from laughing. It always works!
"So you're not mad at me anymore?" she asked.
"No." She could see a slow smile forming on Nasumi's lips.
"That's better. So shall we go? I'm hungry already. At least we get to eat together before we part ways." Saiye said, giving her best friend a knowing look.
Nasumi finally relented and smiled. Saiye was right. She could never stay mad at her. No one could.
"Ok. But you promise to follow after your stupid dinner!" she demanded.
"I promise." Saiye replied solemnly, raising her right hand.
"Ok." Nasumi picked up her sports bag and slung it over her shoulder. "I'm ready."
Saiye smiled and turned to her teammates, who all immediately turned back to their businesses as if they heard nothing.
"Alright, people! Listen up, " she clapped, drawing their attention once again.
Everyone gathered round at the sound of their team captain's voice.
"You all did a great job today and I know you deserve to enjoy the victory. I hope you have fun tonight, ne? I'll see you all in school next week so...congratulations again!"
"Hai!" everyone chorused as she ended her speech.
"Haruko-chan," Saiye suddenly called out as the crowd began to disperse.
A brunette suddenly turned around. Saiye waved for her to come near and smiled warmly as she did.
"You called for me, Saiye-chan?" Haruko asked as she came within conversation range.
The tall, good- looking team captain beamed at her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You've improved over the past weeks, Haruko. I'm very impressed with your progress and perseverance and I wish that more people like you would join the team. Congratulations!"
Haruko blushed as she heard this and bowed graciously.
"Arigatou, Saiye-chan. I have a great teacher."
Saiye laughed and Nasumi wanted to gag at this corny scenario. They're pulling each other's leg!
"You're good, you know and more mature than the others. I want to leave you with something while I'm not at the party. Can you be Nasumi's companion for the time being? I know she would want to get to know you better. Can you look after her while I'm away? Just to, you know, make sure she doesn't get into trouble or anything."
Both Haruko and Nasumi looked at her in shock!
"You're gonna leave me alone with her?!" Nasumi demanded angrily, her eyes turning to mere slits and not believing what she had just heard.
"Uhm, Saiye-chan, I don't think..i don't...i don't really know..." Haruko stammered nervously at the same time.
Saiye held her hand up to silence them both. She had been expecting this.
"I'm giving you both the chance to get to know each other better. You're my friends and I want us to be happy altogether, ne? Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Haruko and Nasumi looked at each other with uncertainty. Nasumi looked more insulted than pleased.
"Nandemo." was all she said.
"Hai." Haruko replied simultaneously.
Saiye flashed them both a bright smile and slung her arms around their shoulders.
"Great! I know you'll have a great time together. So let's all eat and be merry."
Her two friends did not say anything as they walked out the gym.
So much for enjoying the party! Haruko said to herself as she looked at Nasumi's wild figure on the dance floor in slight annoyance.
Ever since they got to the place, Nasumi avoided her already. She would sit somewhere else whenever Haruko would join her or talk to one of her "friends" when she would attempt to start a conversation.
It's like I have a contagious disease or something!
As much as she wanted to be friends with Nasumi, she was starting to find it almost impossible to do so. All because they were two very different people.
Besides, what can we talk about? She loves to party and hang out with the wild crowd. While I...i...i'm just plain...boring!
She sighed heavily, unaware that she did it aloud.
"Such a heavy sigh. Perhaps I can help ease your burden?" a male voice suddenly said from behind her.
Haruko turned around in surprise to find herself face to face with Tetsuya Akizuki, their class president. She suddenly blushed at the uncomfortable distance between them. He was just inches away from her, both of them sitting on the same couch.
"Oh! I ...I was just ...thinking." she answered lamely, avoiding his eyes. She had a huge crush on him and now he's actually talking to her...up close and personal.
"That's very good, although I might have an idea of what you're thinking about." he said, the corners of his eyes crinkling up as he smiled. He had a very nice smile.
"Really?" she asked, raising her eyebrows in question.
His gaze shifted to a very drunk Nasumi, dancing wildly with the other juniors and smiled wryly.
"I guess she hasn't paid any attention to you since you arrived together. Probably Saiye made you her babysitter, ne?"
Haruko shook her head in disapproval.
"Iie. She had good intentions. Besides, I don't really mind. It's not like we're close friends or anything."
"Tetsuya, darling! How come you're sitting here, BORING yourself to death and not dancing? The party's getting wild!"
Haruko looked up to the sound of a sultry female voice and saw Nasumi in front of them...or should I say HIM for that matter. She was tugging at his arm and slightly losing her balance as she did so.
Tetsuya looked uneasily from Haruko to Nasumi, not really knowing what to do next. Haruko saw that she was very drunk, judging from the strong scent of alcohol from her breath and from the way she was wobbling on her feet. Some of the 8th graders brought liquor though it was illegal and as if there were no laws on that, Nasumi began having her fill earlier.
She suddenly felt scared for Nasumi. What if something happens to her and she could not do anything? How could she fulfill her promise to Saiye?
Going against her uncertainty, she gently pulled the drunken girl down to sit on the couch so that she was sitting in between them. Nasumi turned to Haruko and flashed her a patronizing smile.
"That was good! Now why don't you run along and leave the two of us here? I'm sure you've bored him enough already, ne?" she said, batting her long eyelashes at the astounded girl.
Tetsuya was as shocked as Haruko was. In school, people regarded her as someone who's very mean and snobbish and Haruko would even defend her against them sometimes. She did not know if this was the effect of the alcohol but one thing's for certain, she's getting out of hand!
"Nasumi-san, Haruko has been very fun to talk with. She's not boring me at all so it would be alright if she stays." Tetsuya subtly suggested.
Nasumi ignored him and continued to stare at Haruko.
"Well?" she prompted.
Haruko blushed in embarrassment and looked away.
"Gomen. I was just about to leave." she replied brokenly.
She glanced at Tetsuya and smiled faintly.
"Please excuse me. I..." she said as she stood up, only to feel a hand gently but firmly push her back down.
"No you're not going anywhere, Haruko."
Stunned, she looked up at the sound of the familiar voice and saw a very annoyed basketball team captain standing beside where she sat. Even Tetsuya and Nasumi seemed quite shocked at her sudden arrival.
"Saiyin! I'm so glad you came! I'm getting bored already... Come sit here beside me." Nasumi slurred, edging closer to Tetsuya to make a small space and patted it for emphasis.
Saiye crossed her arms on her chest and shook her head.
"I told you to stay out of trouble." she said evenly.
Nasumi flashed her an all innocent look.
"What? I'm not in trouble and I perfectly feel fine!" she said sweetly, glancing at Tetsuya, then back at Saiye.
"What we're going to do now is to bring you home and get some rest. I think you had enough for the day." Saiye argued, taking her hand.
Nasumi frowned and jerked her hand away from Saiye's, almost hitting Tetsuya as she did so.
"No! I don't want to go home yet! I'm perfectly fine! I'm still enjoying the party. In fact," she turned to Tetsuya and smiled seductively. "Tet- chan has invited me to dance with him, ne?"
Haruko wanted to claw at her eyes right then. She was really starting to get on her nerves!
Saiye however, continued to pull at her until she finally got up.
"No. We're going home already and that's final."
This time the three of them fell silent. There was an unfamiliar edge in her voice, something rarely heard from Saiye's ever patient and calm nature. Even Nasumi seemed to back down a bit.
She tried to walk as she got hold of her footing when she stood up. But the alcohol made her feel dizzy and as soon as she took a step forward, she nearly lost her balance and stumbled into Saiye's arms.
Instinctively, Tetsuya stood up to help along with Haruko. Saiye just smiled and held her hand up while holding Nasumi with the other.
"It's alright. I got her. She's not so heavy, considering she doesn't really eat much." she said with a playful grin.
She gently shook Nasumi awake and slung one arm over her shoulder to balance her.
"I can't bring you home like this. Your parents will kill us if they see you in this condition." she murmured in her best friend's ear.
She turned to Haruko and smiled.
"Will you accompany us home, Haruko-san? I could certainly use one."
Haruko nodded, though quite surprised at this invitation.
"Hai." She stood up and held Nasumi's other arm to support her.
Saiye turned to Tetsuya and gave a small nod.
"Well, we have to go. I guess I'll see you in class, ne? Good night!"
Tetsuya smiled and bowed slightly.
"Hai! Take care of yourselves."
Saiye smiled back and together with Haruko, they escorted Nasumi out of the house
Nasumi blinked several times as she placed her cup of coffee down on the table. Her vision was starting to clear and her thoughts came bounding back. They stopped at the coffee shop on their way home to let her revive a little. Saiye knew that her parents were strict and that bringing her home in her earlier condition would mean big trouble.
She took a bite of the flavorless doughnut Saiye had bought and chewed absently on it. The coffee brought her back to her senses, though there was still the effect of the booze she drank a while ago. Nevertheless, she felt better.
Her eyes darted to her best friend who was at the counter buying doughnuts and a cup of hot chocolate. It was already very late and probably she was hungry already. Saiye was known to have a habit of eating a midnight snack.
She took another sip of her coffee, lubricating her dry throat and aided in her swallowing. In front of her sat Haruko, little miss goody-goody who pestered everyone with her sickening sweetness.
I wonder what Saiye had seen in her? Why does she waste her time on a loser like her? Hell, she's not even pretty!
She took another bite and chewed thoughtfully on it, every bite gaining speed as her irritation escalated.
I just wish Saiye would stop this foolishness and focus on their future career. They had planned to go to the same school, Kainan University, and be the best players in the whole prefecture and win MVP awards together. That was worth more than wasting precious time over useless things like teaching Haruko how to play basketball better. If she can't play the game, then she might as well look for another sport.
She glanced at her best friend again with a resolve to tell her all about her feelings and what she had been thinking for the past few days. It will be enough to make her drop this fleabag like a hot potato. She took another sip of her coffee and waited for Saiye to come back.
Little did she know that what was about to happen next will change her life forever.
Haruko sat in stony silence as she waited for Saiye to come back. She did not want to be alone with Nasumi especially with the way she treated her a few hours back. She wanted to go home as soon as possible but she promised Saiye and could not just leave them alone. She asked for help and Haruko was not going to abandon her friend.
But she was not prepared for what happened next.
It was like watching a movie and things were going in slow motion around her as two men wearing stocking-like masks over their faces suddenly came in and positioned themselves near the entrance. The taller bandit pulled out a gun and pointed it at the guy behind the counter, while the other one did the same and pointed his gun at the other people eating inside. Haruko beheld the scene in fear. Saiye froze at the counter, holding her bag of doughnuts, while the thug near her started demanding for cash. Quickly, the owner opened the cash register and started stuffing the money in a tote bag. Nobody moved or even talked and Haruko could feel the apprehension in the air.
This has to be a dream!
When everything was in the bag, the smaller villain turned to their direction, much to Haruko's and Nasumi's surprise. He crossed the room in large strides and was in front of them in an instant. He looked at Haruko, then at Nasumi and called out to his partner, who still had the gun aimed.
"Hey, Uzi! Check this out!"
The taller thug, Uzi, quickly responded, his eyes never leaving the counter as he edged his way towards his partner.
"What do you think? We can take this chick as a souvenir!"
Haruko's blood froze upon hearing this. They were going to take Nasumi with them!
"In your dreams!" Nasumi suddenly sneered, glaring daggers at them.
Haruko darted her gaze to Saiye, who was watching the whole scenario with unimaginable calmness. She could not tell what was going on in her mind and could only pray that Saiye's reasonable side would win that inner argument.
Uzi kept watch on the door just in case anyone decides to escape and call the police.
"I think we better do this quick, Mino. I'm getting the jitters already." he said uneasily, clutching the tote bag very tightly.
Mino snorted and turned to Nasumi. Haruko could see her eyes filled with venom as she held her ground against the two men.
"Well, I guess we better go then, huh, babe?" he seductively said, tracing the barrel of his gun on her chin, slowly sliding it up to her cheeks.
Nasumi jerked her face away and spat at him much to Haruko's escalating fear. Mino flinched as he felt the cool sticky liquid smear his masked face and without warning swung his hand back, hitting her on the face. She felt the lights dangerously blinking as the force of the blow made her fall back. Nevertheless, she was still conscious.
"Leave her alone!" they suddenly heard someone shout from behind.
Instinctively, both men turned and saw Saiye lunge at the nearest thug, holding a cup of steaming chocolate, which she flung into his face.
"Ahhhrrrg!" Uzi cried in pain as the hot liquid scorched his face, dropping the bag as he reached up in defense.
Saiye immediately took this chance and rushed towards her two friends. Nasumi and Haruko both got up to meet her halfway and leave immediately.
"C'mon!" Saiye urged, grabbing Nasumi's hand.
The shop was already in total chaos since Saiye started and everyone tried to get out as fast as they could. Growling in irritation, Mino grabbed the bag from the floor and quickly pushed Uzi towards the back door. But before he went out, he took a step in the middle of the pursuing crowd and aimed his gun. Then, after a second or two, his finger curled around the trigger...then twitched.
Screams of fear and surprise were heard as the room suddenly reverberated with the deafening sound of the gunfire. Everyone ducked instinctively, clasping their heads in their hands to shield them from the bullet, while Haruko and Nasumi, who were inches away from the exit, dove for cover.
"Oh my God! She's been shot!"
"Help!"
"She's been shot! She's bleeding!"
"Get me out of here!"
Nasumi suddenly looked up at the sound of the commotion going on and craned her neck to see what had gotten them so anxious again.
"Call an ambulance! She needs help!"
Who had been shot? Who's bleeding? Nasumi finally stood up despite the danger of having another bullet loose. She suddenly had a nagging feeling that she KNEW deep in her heart who had been hit.
"No, please God let me be wrong! Please let me be wrong! Please let me be wrong!"...she prayed over and over as she trudged past the people on the floor towards the small circle formed not far from her.
She could see blood trailing on the floor. Dark red blood flowing mercilessly from it's owner...her stomach suddenly churned as she drew near.
Haruko could only watch in silence as she sat up and leaned against the wall for support. Even breathing was getting difficult as every intake of air felt like her last. She saw the circle make way for Nasumi and just watching her was too frightening.
Please god, don't let it be her! Please don't let it be her! Please don't...
"NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Haruko closed her eyes, letting the tears she had been holding back finally flow into its rightful course as Nasumi's tormented cry filled the room and her heart.
No..no, not her...not her...the sound of her own voice echoed in her mind, synchronizing with Nasumi's anguished sobs as it echoed painfully within the walls of the room.
Hot tears fell on her lap at the memory.
Rukawa could not do anything but let her cry. He was not good in comforting people much less empathize with them.
Haruko took a deep breath and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Then, she looked up to Rukawa and flashed him a weary smile.
"Gomen, Rukawa-kun, if I overreacted."
Rukawa just nodded and did not say anything.
"Yonchu mourned her death for more than a month. It was like losing a pillar of the school. Everyon loved her especially the basketball team. They stopped practicing for half a year because they could not find a suitable replacement. Nobody could replace her." she continued, looking up the sky and welcomed the cool afternoon breeze that gently touched her face, drying her tears completely.
"And Nasumi?" Rukawa prompted.
"She became an outcast when she came back the next year. No one would talk to her, not even her junkie friends. They all blamed her for Saiye's death.They said she never really cared about Saiye, that she was just using her to gain more popularity and power because Saiye was a favorite even in the faculty." She paused to take a deep breath. "I didn't believe that. I know it was the hardest for her to accept Saiye's death. I know them well enough to know that Nasumi greatly loved her like a sister. I tried to talk to her but she kept on pushing me away. She was alone for the rest of our junior year. She did not talk with anyone, just went to school, then home. I felt really guilty since I promised Saiye that I would look after her while she's gone..."
She was cut short as Rukawa suddenly stood up.
"Oh!--Rukawa-kun...where are you going?" she queried as he slid his hands in his pockets and turned to walk away.
"I don't believe you." was all he said, then started walking.
Haruko stared in shock at his retreating figure. She suddenly felt her body shaking in anger.
How dare he walk out on me?! How dare he call me a liar?! I just finished telling him a very traumatic experience in my life and he turns his back on me?!
She was about to run after him and give him a piece of her mind, when another realization stopped her. The only other thing that would make him react this way was if he cared deeply for Nasumi...if he loves her! Of course, anyone who would hear this story would be shocked and disillusioned and would even deny it just to keep himself from being hurt.
As much as her heart ached for this recognition, she knew she couldn't keep him feeling like that. Summoning up all her courage, she stood up and ran after Rukawa who had already gone quite a distance.
"Rukawa-kun! Chotto matte! Kudasai!" she called out as she ran.
Rukawa stopped when he heard her calling and turned his head slightly to her direction.
"Rukawa-kun!" Haruko stopped to catch her breath. Rukawa just stood still, waiting for her to speak. There was a relative distance between them and Haruko did not bother coming near. She couldn't handle being near to the one person she truly cared for, knowing that his heart already belonged to someone else.
"Rukawa-kun, I know how you feel. It's something that I myself could not believe, no matter how much I deny it, but it really happened. I know its hard for you to think that Nasumi could be such a thing or person, but if you really care about someone, what she has been or what happened in the past won't really matter, ne?"
Rukawa still said nothing. Haruko could only hope that she had gotten through somehow, that somewhere beneath that impervious exterior, a caring and loving tender heart beats. That whatever he and Nasumi had or have will be enough to bring out that long lost character..something she knew she could never achieve.
Sighing dejectedly, she sadly watched as Rukawa finally turned to walk away, leaving her standing only in the company of the dried leaves, which the cool afternoon wind gently blew her way.
Nasumi could not sit still at home. Although she was so drained from the day's training and her walk home had been pretty exciting as well with three tall guys accompanying her, she could not find the time to rest.
I have to do something! I have to get out of here..I need..I need some fresh air.
The idea appealed to her and she stood up, grabbed her jacket and dashed outside her room. In her haste to get down, she bumped into Shintaru who was on his way up.
"Whoa! -Sis! Where are you going?"
Nasumi stopped at the foot of the stairs and turned to her brother.
"Oh, gomen oniichan! I just need to get out for a while." she said with a slightly sheepish smile. The she bounded towards the door before Shintaru could say anything.
"I won't take long! Ja!" she added as she went out and closed the door behind her.
Shintaru stood gaping at what just happened. It took him a few seconds to realize that his sister was indeed gone and sighed in defeat.
"Oh well. At least she's full of life again." he mused aloud, then walked up the stairs to his room.
Meanwhile, Nasumi was out strolling in the neighborhood giving herself a pat on the back for deciding to take this walk. The gentle night breeze felt refreshing and she looked up the sky, admiring the breathtaking view.
"Stars..." she mused, her eyes misting at the sudden memory that came to her. Saiye loved looking at the stars.
"They're like an extension of my soul. Whenever I look at them, it's like I've been there to where they are." she remembered her saying that one time on their way home.
Sadly, she sighed and shook her head in shame. Saiye saw the beauty in even the smallest of things like stars and the plants around them and the animals too. She was a true person, someone who never held back when it came to loving people.
While all Nasumi did was to make other people's lives miserable, especially her best friend's.
She continued to walk with her head down and hands in the pockets of her jeans, contemplating on the years that went by. Somehow, the promise she made to Saiye on her grave did not seem enough. There was something missing, it's like everything she's doing now isn't real. She had promised to change for the better, to be more understanding and true to herself and other people.
But there was one thing that was bothering her...something which she felt she was not doing right. Something like...like falling in love.
She remembered the day they swore to fall in love at the same time, to find the right guy together and get married and have kids; that Saiye would be the maid of honor at Nasumi's wedding and vice versa. They had planned for that. Now, it remains a dream..only a dream that can never come true.
How could she even think about love now? How could she even place her feelings right for this one person who so strongly captured her heart in just a short time? Why was she feeling like this?
"I can't continue this! Not like this! Not while --oh-my-god!"
Because she was so caught up in her own thoughts, she failed to notice that she had strayed into a very familiar area while walking. A place where she thought she would never visit or never see again. A place that immediately released a dam of pain and harsh memories.
She was standing in front of the coffee shop where Saiye was killed.
Tears flowed uncontrollably from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks, her lower lip trembling violently and her body shaking in anguish.
"No..." her voice caught in her throat as she spoke. Finally giving out a strangled cry, she ran as far away from the shop as she could. She could hear motorcycles roaring on the streets but she didn't look back. She kept on running; far away from the place she hated the most. She could still hear the motorcycles drawing near, but she paid no attention.
I have to get out of here! I have to leave this place and never come back! I have to be far away from the people I have hurt! It's all useless! It's all just a lie!
She was about to collapse to the ground in exhaustion and too much pain, when a big black Suzuki suddenly stopped in front of her. Startled, she turned to look around as she heard other bikes roaring near her.
They were all around her and she was caught -- trapped-- in the middle!
"What--?" she turned back to the rider in front of her and tried to look at the face behind the black helmet. But all she could see was her own reflection.
"Who are you?" she demanded, her heart beating faster each second she stayed.
The black rider suddenly laughed...a slow evil laugh that made her skin crawl.
" I'm hurt, Nasumi-san. How you could forget me so easily?" he scathingly replied, getting off his bike.
Nasumi's blood froze as he spoke.
That voice! I know that voice!...it can't..it can't be!
Her fears were confirmed as he took his helmet off, revealing a very malevolent grin on his scarred face.
Akira Sendoh decided against going home early, so he went to the park bench in their neighborhood and sat broodingly. He kicked the dry soil and watched as particles of dust rose up from the ground.
"I wonder where she is right now. I called her up --"
He kicked at the ground again.
"--and Shintaru said she wasn't home." He dug the heel of his shoe deeper into the soil and twisted it, then gazed at the heel marks he had created after.
Now Shintaru was one weird guy. First, he completely ignored Rukawa and Maki when they brought Nasumi home and invited him in instead. Of course, he accepted, only to find out that Nasumi had other plans and could not accommodate them. They even heard the two argue behind the closed door, much to the three's discomfort, their SD's sweat dropping as they listened.
I wish I could talk to her. Just to let her know how I feel.
He sighed and rested his chin on his hands, his arms propped on his knees. The park looked so quiet, as if the world's problems did not bother it one bit.
Then he heard motorcycles roaring near and he turned to look, slightly annoyed by the disturbance in his peace and quiet. Up ahead, he saw a group of bikers enclosing someone within their circle and he stood up to take a closer look. He was surprised to find a girl trapped in their midst!
"These guys either have to be fags or just plain cowards. Imagine, picking on a helpless girl." he muttered under his breath.
He drew nearer to see how many they were and if he could take them out without bringing any harm to the her. As he got closer, his eyes widened in surprise upon recognizing the victim.
"Nasumi! What's she doing here?"
The Sakuragi gundan to the rescue!
Well, they're not really involved in this mess, but since they always have this habit of going anywhere whenever they feel like it, they chanced upon the very same neighborhood where Nasumi "got lost" in.
Well anyway...
"Ahhh! I'm hungry, Yohei! We have to buy something to eat!" Nozumi Takemiya complained as they walked home.
And right on cue, his stomach started growling loudly, much to everyone's discomfort.
Hanamichi Sakuragi laughed aloud and dribbled Takemiya's stomach as if it were a basketball.
"Hahahaha! I guess watching us practice made you feel tired, ne? Hahahaha! How you wish you could play the sport and be as good as the tensai here! Hahahaha!"
Takemiya frowned and slapped Sakuragi's hands away from his tummy.
"Actually, I got tired of watching you throw the ball uselessly into the air and not getting any points!" he countered.
Sakuragi suddenly turned SD and looked very annoyed.
"Nani?!" he replied hotly, flashing piercing looks at him.
Suddenly, they heard motorbikes roaring and instinctively turned to look. A group of bikers formed a strategic circle around a girl, trapping her in the middle, waiting for the perfect chance to pounce.
"What are they doing? Those cowards!" Yuji Oksu said angrily as they assessed the scene before them.
"Hmmm looks like we came just in time." Takemiya remarked, his hunger suddenly forgotten.
This did not look like child's play to them and decided to lend a hand. They smelled blood...thick blood, and their own muscles tensed with the anticipation of a brawl.
They advanced slowly, trying not to catch the gang's attention yet. As they drew near, they saw the lead biker take his helmet off but his back was turned to them so they could not see who it was. Then, stopping for a moment to see what happens next, the Sakuragi gundan stood by, being very very quiet.
The lead biker was already standing close to the girl and he suddenly grabbed her by the arm and hit her hard on the face. The girl fell down groaning, and the other bikers laughed at her condition as she looked up, holding her face.
This was enough to spur the gundan into action. As they approached however, the lead biker turned around and saw them. Yohei stopped dead in his tracks as the biker's eye met his. They stared at each other unbelievingly, each team frozen in their own spot as they did, waiting for their leader to give the signal. Neither one moved, but they could see and feel the tension emanating from the two as they held each other's gaze.
After a moment of silence and stillness, Sakuragi finally edged his way towards him and spoke up.
"Yohei, you know him?"
At first, Yohei did not reply. The biker had the same expression of shock on his face and the rest of the gundan edged closer to him too.
"You know him, Yohei?" Joichiro Oma echoed.
This time Yohei Mito snapped back to his old self. He slid his hands in his pockets and smiled wryly, much to the gundan's delight. This particular stance meant that he is ready to fight and so are they.
"Hai." His voice suddenly became very serious as he spoke.
" His name is Kaji Natsuhiro...Saiye's brother."
...to be continued...
A/N: Erm, I don't know what came over me to have written this kind of chapter...I was probably possessed when I did this so please don't kill me! ..GOMEN! I don't know what else to write! And why does Yohei know Saiye's brother? ( I'm still thinking of a good explanation for that. I just like his character and the gundan also, so I added them in! ) Anyway, I do hope you'll still enjoy this despite the dripping drama and reviews would really be very welcome (as always )) Final chapter coming up with the answers to all of your questions (hopefully!) ...So how about it, Yui-chan?...sori for making you watch the video by the way...I didn't really mean to. Honest! Hope you like this...thanks to the people who reviewed this fic. It really helped.