CHAPTER 18 – The Kiss that would not happen

"Ne, Hana-chan! Come on let's go home now." Noriko looked at her as she adjusted the strap of her bag.

"I can't." Hanasen frowned.

"Eh? Why not?"

"I'm supposed to have this meeting with Rukawa-kun to discuss what we can sell in our booth."

"Ok. Cool. I'll wait for you then."

"Really? It's okay? I've been waiting here for 30 minutes and he still hasn't shown up."

"Why? Where is he anyway?"

"He said the Shohoku team have a quick meeting at the gymnasium."

"Oh, alright then. Let's go there."

When they arrived, the gymnasium was already quiet. There we no more bikes parked outside except for one.

Rukawa's bike.

Hanasen wanted to scream and kick the bike.

"Oh what the hell? I've been waiting for 30 minutes. He said he'd show up and he hasn't and everyone has already left? I was wasting my time for THIS?"

"Chill. Maybe he's still inside practicing while waiting for you." Noriko patted her back.

"We were not supposed to meet in the gymnasium. We were supposed to meet in the classroom." Hanasen was seething as they walked together towards the gymnasium.

"Eh? where is he?"

"He's not in here." Hanasen wanted to cry.

"Hmmm...let me check..." Noriko walked further inside the gymnasium as Hanasen stood by the doorway.

"Oh." Noriko sounded surprised.

"what?" Hanasen looked at her.

Noriko pointed..

Rukawa was fast asleep on one of the benches.

Oh dear..this is not good, Hanasen's mind screamed.

"What do I do, Noriko-chan?" She walked towards the bench as they looked at the narcoleptic basketball player.

"Well...uhm...we could wait till he wakes up." Noriko shrugged.

"Are you serious? Why don't we just wake him up then." Hanasen was so close to flinging her bag at Rukawa's head.

"No way! What if it's a totally bad idea to do that? He has that sleeping condition thing going on." Noriko shook her head in firm disagreement.

They looked at him helplessly and decided to sit at one fo the benches. Fifteen minutes have elapsed and still Rukawa showed no signs of waking up. The two best friends have been playing Janken Po to distract themselves.

"Noriko-chan...come on! It's your turn!" Hanasen poked her friend's shoulder. But Noriko didn't look like she was interested in playing anymore. Her gaze was already fixated at Rukawa.

"What are you thinking?" Hanasen looked at her.

Noriko sighed but not breaking her view of the narcoleptic. "I wonder what it's like to kiss him."

Hanasen's eyes rounded. Her mouth opened a bit in surprise and curled into a naughty smile. She put her arm around Noriko's shoulder and leaned on her.

"Go on. You can do it. I think it's the perfect opportunity. We're the only ones left here anyway." Hanasen playfully nudged her.

Noriko looked at her friend intently and swallowed. She stood up and walked towards the sleeping classmate and gazed at his face. A million thoughts rang through her mind. She had dreamed of this moment and everything was coming to place. Yes, Hanasen is right. This is the most perfect opportunity to do this. Now is the time to fulfill all those daydreams she had. Now is the time. Now is the moment.

Hanasen tilted her head and frowned a bit as she watched Noriko just standing there for what seemed like an eternity and simply gazing longingly at the sleeping Rukawa. She thought how pretty Noriko is with her soft and straight long hair tucked behind her ears. She can't think of anyone else who would look good to stand by Rukawa. Though she isn't the athletic type, she exudes strength and confidence. She's also a tall girl by her standards as her best friend stood at a height of 5 feet and 4 inches and they're still high school sophomores. She could still grow taller at this rate.

Noriko closed her eyes as she knelt closely beside him. Their noses touched. She could hear him snore. So close. This is the closest she's ever got to him. All those times they were classmates, she could never do this daring thing. She wanted so much to feel his face but she felt her limbs have frozen to her sides.

And just as the moment she wanted with all her might and desire to appease her long-awaited dream, she was suddenly overwhelmed by fear. She pulled herself back, stood up and walked towards her confused best friend.

"What was that all about?" Hanasen could not hide her surprise and confusion.

"I can't do it." Noriko shook her head but could not look at her.

"Why not? He's right there!" Hanasen pointed at the sleeping figure.

"Exactly. I can't do it. I'm not like you."

"What do you mean not like me?" Hanasen's voice quivered.

"I mean...I don't have your guts."

"I think you're right. I am a pervert." Hanasen pouted and started to cover her face.

Noriko looked up and pried Hanasen's fingers away from her face. "Hey, I didn't mean it that way. You're not a pervert."

"But I am a pervert. I took advantage of a person who was completely vulnerable." Hanasen's tears slowly rolled her cheeks.

"Oh honey..that's not what I meant at all. But you defining it that way...well..." Noriko chuckled and rubbed her cheeks with her thumb.

"Proves I really am a pervert." Hanasen sniffled.

"Let's put it this way...My fear is proportionate to the level of guts you did for the same act."

"Huh?"

"We both wanted to do the same thing. The only difference is you did it and I couldn't even if I wanted to. You're not a pervert for having done it. You were very brave and I'm not but it doesn't mean I don't want to do it. I wish I had your guts. You understand? The point is, we both loved the person we wanted to do this to. You loved that guy so you were able to do it. I guess in my case, I love Rukawa so much that I couldn't do it."

Hanasen studied her for a moment and then nodded her head. She could not totally grasp what Noriko just said but she probably will when she gets home. By then she will have time to reflect on everything's that happened today.

"It's getting dark outside. It won't be long, the janitor's gonna poke his head through the doorway." Noriko looked at her watch and almost shrieked.

"WHAT?"

"Oh my God! I totally forgot! Tet-chan's classes is only half day today. He told me their school was having some teacher's day thing. Oh my God! He's home alone! Oh my God! I'm so sorry, Hana-chan. I really gotta go. The poor thing must be worried. I promised I'll be home sooner." Noriko was in a panic as she grabbed her bag.

"Oh my God! Go! Go! Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'll just wait here. I'll wait for the janitor to drop by." Hanasen escorted her quickly towards the exit.

"Call me later tonight, okay?" Noriko looked back at her and waved.

"I promise. You be careful! Tell Tet-chan, I'm sorry for keeping you here." Hanasen waved back as she watched Noriko walking away quickly towards the school gate.

"No problem! You be careful too! See you tomorrow, Hana-chan!" Noriko yelled.

Hanasen smiled and kept waving goodbye at her friend. She walked back to the benches and took her bag. I can't stay here until you wake up, you doofus! I'm going to look for a janitor and wake you up instead. Oh man...and we still haven't discussed our plans for the booth. Oh this is nuts!