Author's Notes: Okay, next chap! Back to the adrenaline rush…

Disclaimer: We do not own RK

...

Chapter 14: Hang On

Misao dove for the ball, extremely desperate to save it. With a quick flick of her wrist, the ball bounced back onto the court. Unfortunately, she was unable to dodge the steel chairs she was headed at. With no other alternative left, she braced herself, the steel chairs scarring her arms.

Aoshi watched intently, his breath hanging in the air. His knuckles were white, his hands clasped tightly. He was restless. And just when he was on the verge of loosening up, Misao dove for the ball.

"Misao…!" he muttered.

She connected with the steel chairs.

"Crud! MISAO!" Aoshi exclaimed, vaulting over the rail. He sprinted to her side, frantically pushing the steel chairs aside. All he could do was stare – he was speechless. The cuts were terrible… others were deep, but thankfully, she didn't get too much cuts. Crimson blood emanated and poured out of her wounds, bloodying her poor arms. Aoshi was overwhelmed with mixed feelings – anger, worry, desperation, fear, love… Misao's face was etched with pain, but she smiled through it all and insisted on going back in. But of course, no one allowed her to and she was treated in the locker room.

Aoshi's POV

Oh… Oh man… Misao… her arms… why did she have to… MISAO! Everything happened so fast… I was so worried and scared… I didn't… I couldn't even say anything! But why… why did she look so… happy? It was like… she didn't mind the pain… she didn't feel any… I cannot comprehend that… Misao… I couldn't do anything!

Locker Room…

Misao stared at her now bandaged arms.

'Oh man… I was too careless… Now I can't play… even if I'm perfectly fine…' she thought sadly, letting out a deep sigh.

'Not that I mind, though… as long as I was able to help the team…' she grinned and cheered up a little. She gazed out the window pensively.

'Aoshi… he looked… scared… but… how come…? I feel bad… I made him worry again… not to mention, angry…' Misao frowned. She heard a sound – someone entering the room. She looked up in mild interest and saw Aoshi with an expression she couldn't read.

"Aoshi!"

Aoshi stared at her, eyes locking with what seemed like eternity, then…

"Aoshi…?"

She was caught in an embrace. His tight yet gentle embrace… his warmth, his scent, his everything. Misao couldn't believe what was going on.

"Aoshi… I'm so sorry I made you worry…" Misao said, still in his arms. Aoshi slowly pulled back, his eyes full of concern, and a little bit of shock.

"Misao… when you dove for that ball… when you got hurt… I was so scared…and frustrated… I thought I could protect you… well, I was dead wrong. But after all that… you still smiled…"

Aoshi paused to consider Misao's expression. She was speechless and dumbfounded.

"And it was then that I realized… this is your passion, this is your joy… you enjoy playing basketball… and… I guess I've been insensitive in not wanting you to play… I am so sorry…"

Misao's eyes softened and she smiled warmly.

"Aoshi…"

"I'm sorry… for failing to protect you and for being insensitive…" Aoshi couldn't even look at her. He was too ashamed of himself.

Misao gently touched his hand, shocking Aoshi.

"…I am the one who should apologize… You were just concerned and… I'm the insensitive one who didn't consider your feelings, so I'm really sorry…"

"I guess… we've both learned something…" Aoshi said softly. Misao just smiled. They were still holding hands.

Philippines…

"Ne, Aika-chan… your birthday's coming up… what are you planning to do?" Mrs. Kensatsu asked.

"Actually Mom… I have a proposal…" Aika said, a familiar glint in her eyes.

A Few Days Later…

Airport.

"I can't believe she invited all of us… to the Philippines!" Tomoe said for the hundredth time.

"Well, she is related to the Shinomori's, Ne-chan…" Enishi stated as-a-matter-of-factly.

"Well, what're we waiting for anyway?" Yahiko whined. And so, everyone proceeded to board the plane…

NAIA Airport… several hours later…

"FINALLY… we're here! I'm sick and tired of traveling…" Kaoru said in relief.

"My butt hurts from staying in my seat for the whole trip…" Tomoe said, tired.

"Well, our ride's already here, guys…" Aoshi said. With that, everyone hopped onto the van.

Aoshi's POV

Shoot… I'm nervous, but… I'm really going to tell her about my feelings later… I just have this bad feeling – some sort of urgency. What could that mean?

After a while, the gang arrived in a humongous estate; everyone gazed in awe as they saw a beach beside – inside – the estate! Everyone unloaded the car and entered the house… two individuals, however, were silently lagging behind them.

"Misao…"

She turned her head, her eyes staring straight at the speaker.

"Hai?"

Aoshi bent his head, trying to hide his blush and nervousness. He took a deep breath and then held his head high.

"Um… there's something… you need to know…"

Misao tilted her head, watching him curiously, her eyes telling him to go on.

"Uh… I've been thinking about it… and, well, I guess… It's time to tell you…"

The two stopped walking and faced each other, Misao searching his face for any clues.

"Uhm… Misao, I-"

"AOSHI!"

The two snapped their heads to the direction of the voice, annoyed at the sudden intrusion.

It was Aika, and she was running towards them.

Misao bent her head in disappointment, eyes scanning the floor sadly. Aoshi looked away, his fists clenched tightly as he tried to suppress his fury.

"I was wondering (pant) where (pant) you were! (pant, pant)"

Aoshi's eyes bore through her angrily. Aika felt the intensity of his glare, making her jump back a bit.

"Kuso…"

Aoshi stormed away, refusing to talk or even spare a glance at Aika. Aika's eyes followed him as he furiously entered the house.

"Hi Aika-san! Uhm… thanks again for inviting us here. It was real nice of you!" Misao said cheerfully, wearing a bright smile.

"O-Oh… It's no problem… you're welcome!" Aika said, her voice quivering slightly.

"Uh… come on in the house!" she continued, skipping back into her 'humble' abode as if nothing had happened. Misao stared at her retreating form, still gravely disappointed by the intrusion.

'What did he want to tell me…?'

Sighing heavily, she grabbed her things and slowly headed for the house.

Back inside the house, there was a strange commotion going on. Misao looked in wonder, trying to see what was going on.

Aoshi was talking to everyone, an arm slung over a beautiful girl with long brown hair and chocolate-brown eyes. The girl seemed comfortable as she clung to Aoshi.

'Maybe this was what he wanted to tell me?' she thought to herself.

Misao eyed the girl carefully. Suddenly, she remembered something.

Her eyes widened.

Author's Notes: Yeah baby! Ain't that interesting… in case you're wondering, the rich Aika payed for all their tickets… hehe… what's up with Aika! Sad, truly sad… haha… well, more to come… stay tuned!