Chapter XV. Happy Ending for Couples in Ryonan

Lae was rushed to the hospital. Everybody was worried, even Haruko. The sound of the ambulance left one and all terrified. Only Sendoh went with her. All of those who were involved followed shortly.

Lae…please…what am I going to do without you? Please, don't give up. Lae…say with me…I love you…please…Don't leave me… That was the only thought in Sendoh's mind.

Lae's mom and dad came barging in Lae's room. They were full of tears. She was lying there, just like an angel in her bed. Her brown hair glowed even more. Her long lashes were visible to Sendoh's eyes. She had an oxygen mask covered on her nose bridge up to her lips…

"Oh no. Lae, I told you don't be too hard on yourself. You're still recovering…" said Lae's mom in disbelief.

"Lae…my only daughter…" Lae's dad went out and bunged himself to cry.

"I'm sorry…it's my entire fault. I didn't take good care of her…"

"No dear, don't blame yourself… She did this for you…this game was all about what she talked about last night. She wants you to be proud of her," explained her mother.

"Lae is a strong girl," Sendoh cried.

"Yes, we know. She wants to make up for everything she missed with you."

"I never asked for it…I'm happy now that she's here with me again."

"Sendoh sweetie, you take these…"

"What are these?" Sendoh still didn't let go of Lae's hand.

"Letters my dear…the ones that she didn't send to you…" Lae's mom said as she handed the old letters to Sendoh. Sendoh was speechless. He couldn't hold on his tears any longer. "…for she was stuck in the hospital in for months. She wanted to send the letters herself. The doctor forbids her to get out of bed. She was always complaining to go back here. She wanted to see you," elucidated her mother. Sendoh didn't say a word. He was just all about crying and holding Lae's hands as if, he'll never let go.

Koshino and Yuki entered the door. Yuki's eyes overflowed with tears. She didn't believe what she saw. She patted Sendoh on the back. Koshino hugged her tight. "I know how you feel Sendoh." Koshino said to Sendoh.

Nobody understands her but me! Nobody! Lae…why? Just being here with me…I've got nothing to ask for more…please…

"We better leave them both alone…" Lae's mom claimed. The three of them went out to see Haruko, Rukawa, Sakuragi, Maki, Fujima, and Hikoichi outside waiting to see Lae.

Yuki shook her head, motioning them not to enter. They all waited in silence, hoping that Sendoh could wake her up from just a deep sleep.

Sendoh read the letters…and he couldn't prevent himself form crying... He tried to talk to Lae.

"Lae, please, wake up, for me. Don't ever leave me again." Lae's dad entered.

"Sendoh, it's hard for a dad to say this…she's my only girl. She loves you Sendoh. I accept that. Please, take good care of her… I entrust her to you." He went out sobbing.

Sendoh continued, "Your kiss…was the happiest day of my life, next from the time we met. You made me so happy that night. I love you Lae…more than a brother would."

Lae was still asleep…in her doze she was dreaming. She saw a bright light. A silhouette of a tall man was standing in front of her. The man was familiar.

"Where's this place?" Lae asked the man. The man's look resembled a very familiar face to her…It was Sendoh's dad. "Ara?! Sendoh's dad…excuse me sir, where am I? He's dead…so what am I?!"

"I don't even now my dear, it's just that an angel sent me here. I want to go and meet with you." Sendoh's dad held her hand. He let her see what the world was when she left Sendoh when they were young. Mr. Sendoh continued to speak, "You're not dead yet, he needs you. Look how miserable he is right now."

"He is? I'm just a sister to him…" Lae saw how much Sendoh had loved her more than a brother would. Lae's tears went streaming down her cheeks. "I didn't know…"

"Take care of my son. Never leave him…" The man was sipped by a hollow twist of air…

"Matte…I don't know how to go back!" Lae was left on her knees…she saw a rainbow.

Somewhat flashbacks of her and Sendoh was what she was viewing…She then saw little Sendoh holding out a hand to her.

"Come on, hold on to my hand princess. I'll never let go of you." Lae reached out and found herself wet in Sendoh's tears. She took a glass of water while Sendoh's guard was down. She splattered the water all over Sendoh.

"Ano…baka… You wet me with your tears! Cut the drama!" Sendoh took the mask from Lae's mouth. "Hey, I need that!" He planted a long kiss on her lips. They closed their eyes. Lae cried in joy. Everyone heard Lae's scream outside only to find out that she was awake. They were all clapping and teary eyed.

"I love you Lae." Sendoh said while placing his hand on his head.

"I love you too nii-chan."

"Nani?!" Everyone yelped.

"Kidding…" Lae smiled.

The next morning Haruko was beside Lae. They were alone in the room.

"Hey, I'm glad that you and Sendoh are together now. At last."

"Thanks. About the game…"

"About the game…it's over Lae…no one won. We are all winners! Our heroes are winners." Haruko explained.

"I agree."

"You're so lucky that you have Sendoh. Sigh. Rukawa and I have no chance at all. It's just a one sided love on my part."

"Iie, just be yourself. You're lucky that someone like Sakuragi who gives everything to you loves you. Be his friend, he will be much obliged."

"Thanks Lae."

Sendoh entered beaming with his newly found confindence. He was in disguise as a delivery boy. "Delivery for the princess." Haruko was laughing and went outside.

"Who is it from?" Lae demanded for an answer. She knows it was from Sendoh.

"An admirer." Sendoh smirked.

"Oh. I'm sorry then, I don't take gifts from strangers. I have a boyfriend now, so, take that away from me." Lae commanded.

"Okay, I give up. You're the only one who could pull pranks on me, but still, gets away with it."

"Thanks Sendoh." Lae squeezed him with hard. Koshino and Yuki entered full of chocolates in their hands.

"Ahhh… Chocolates my favorite…"

Sendoh hit Koshino on the head. "She can't eat this! Stupid, she has asthma remember? It'll trigger it…no chocolates for you missy…"

"It hurts…Yuki-san."

"Mou Sendoh-kun."

"Hmph. You two love birds are hypocrites! Hah!"

"Look who's talking. Gimme this!" Lae grabbed the chocolate from Sendoh's hands and they all laughed.

Sendoh heard someone whisper to his ear, "Good luck son… I'll be watching you…"

"Dad…" Sendoh grinned in his tears.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing...its dad," Sendoh replied.

"He led me back to you…" Lae smiled back. She looked at Sendoh intimately.

A dove landed on the porch of Lae's room. They all admired the beauty of the sunset that was picturesquely seen. It was all a happy ending for the couples in Ryonan.


THE END


Note from the author: Finally, after all the long wait, this story is finished. I hope you guys liked my first fanfic ever. I'm hoping that a lot of readers hear could read this wonderful story full of romance. I have learned a lot from writing my first fanfic. I can now express my thoughts into stories that many could read and give their ideas to.

Disclaimer: I know it's too late for a disclaimer. Better late than never. I don't own Slam Dunk. However, I own, Lae Nimawan, Tagokeshi Kamya and Yuki...

To SLamDunk160: Thank you so much fro reading and reviewing all the chapters of my story. I now have a friend that I can share my passion with. Thanks to your sis too. I dedicate the ending to both of you.

Watch out for my next stories...byebye. I'll post it soon.