Chapter 5
the Art of Liking someone...
50 days to fall in love...
"Nyahahaha!" Sakuragi and Kiyota laughed loudly. Their laughter echoed the gym. And everyone sweatdropped at their antics. Rather to stayed away from the two star rookies than to joined them.
Shohoku were having a practice game against Kainan that afternoon. At the sidelines, Rukawa narrowing her cerulean eyes while watching his precious redhead laughing out loud with Kiyota. She approach Mito to ask. "Mito." She called, the poor guy staggered yet ready to run anytime away from her. "Aho... I want to ask you."
Mito gulp. Her presence and icy gaze was surely enough to freeze him to death. "Wh...what.. Kaede-chan?"
She turn her eyes and look at Sakuragi and Kiyota standing in the other side of the court. "Since when they become close?"
Mito follow her gaze and saw the two rookie talking and laughing together. "Oh...them...well they've been close as long as I remember." Rukawa quirked her eyebrow, he sweated in cold. "We're friends... I mean the three of us. A childhood friends."
"What?"
"What you don't know? You see..." Mito sighed deeply. "Me, Hanamichi and Nobu were close friends since we were young. But because Nobu's parents got divorced, with his mother they moved away from here, so we separated and went at different school during Middle school. But to be honest, Nobu and Hanamichi are more closer."
"Jealous?" She scoffed.
Mito chuckle. "Hahaha...so you could say that. You see, Hanamichi is...hmmm..let say a lovable person. Too bad he's a guy..."
"So?"
"So?... Don't tell me you didn't notice...hahaha.. Hanamichi was obviously a homophobic. There's no way he'll fall in love with the same gender." He stated, Rukawa's pretty face cringed. Mito moved closer and spoke lowly. "Nobu likes Hanamichi, but he's certain that he won't reciprocate his feelings...that's why he choose to go to Kainan instead to keep our friendship."
"And?"
"I'll be frank to you... I like Hanamichi, but not as much Nobu likes him. Like a brother to be exact. But don't worry, Nobu moved on. He's on relationship."
"With whom?" She asked curiously but cutted when the Kainan team captain joined them.
"Mito-kun...how are you?" He asked.
"Maki... I'm fine. Let me introduce you Kaede-chan... Hanamichi's..."
"Of course I know. Nobu-kun mentioned me about her." Then turned at Rukawa. "You're lucky to be a girl... I mean to be his girlfriend. Nice to meet you. I'm Shinichi Maki." He held out his hand for handshake that she refused.
"Ne Maki...how's Nobu this day?" Mito's eyes glued at his redhead friend along with Kiyota.
"He's fine and so excited to come here in your school." Maki's tone suddenly filled with sadness. "And you know why."
"Maa, maa Maki. Don't worry about that. He's just happy to see him...oh... Kaede-chan..sorry."
"It's fine."
Maki stare at the two rookie. "Nobu-kun indeed himself whenever Sakuragi is around. Happy, lively and energetic, unlike when he's alone with me..."
"Maki..."
"Don't worry Mito-kun it's fine. And besides..." He looked at Rukawa. "Sakuragi is really happy now with Rukawa-chan... Am I right?" He smiled politely.
"Of course he is..." Mito retorted. "And Kaede-chan was really pretty among those girls who's after Hanamichi."
"And boys...don't forget...hahaha" He joked. "But I wish Sakuragi won't end up hating us if he found out that me and Nobu-kun..." Maki added.
"Maki.." Mito called out to stopped him. And took a glimpse at Rukawa.
"Don't mind me. I understand." And she left the two guy to approached Sakuragi stood at the corner with Kiyota. She's in a very deep thought about their conversation just now.
"Kaede-chan... I want you to meet this wild monkey over here nyahaha... Nobunaga Kiyota. I think I didn't mentioned you before, he's one of my bestfriend aside from Youhei. Nobu meet my...my Kaede-chan." He introduced him to her.
Kiyota stare, eventually grin at her. "So you're the lucky girl who captured my bestfriend's heart." He slung his arms on redhead's shoulder. "Nice to meet you."
Rukawa look at her impassively and just nod her head, making Sakuragi confuse at her attitude. He slowly walk next to her and murmur. "Kaede-chan...please introduce yourself. He's a one of my bestfriend..."
"Fine.." And she held out her hand for handshake. "Kaede Rukawa." Pulled the redhead closer to her, snaked her arm around his waist and smirked. "He's mine."
"Are you sure nobody saw you that you're with me Nobu-kun?" Aota asked, both conversed in the secluded part of Shohoku school.
"Yes... And you think they'll broke up. Tat-neechan." Kiyota said. "I heard that you're after him too...so why the hell you're helping me?"
"What are you talking about Nobu-kun? I'm just helping you to get rid of that pesky Rukawa."
"Are you sure? Not interested with my Hana-kun?"
"Of course. You're my adorable step-brother...And I know how you liked that guy...so I'm helping you..."
"Sshh...no one knows about that..."
"I know I know...don't worry..."
"When they break up make sure to comfort Sakuragi-kun...and used it as a opportunity to confess..."
"But he's..."
"Stupid...haven't you realized that he's not into girls...and he'll not turn you down coz you're his best friend..remember?"
"Yes...you're right..."
"Are you sure that your friend Mito tell Rukawa about your relationship with Sakuragi-kun?"
"I'm sure about that. I saw them talking and I'm sure that Rukawa girl ask Youhei about us...and he'll definitely tell her everything since he trusted her as same as Hana-kun..."
"Good...go back to gym before someone sees us... Ja.." 'Stupid fools...but I'm sorry Nobu-kun, Haruko-chan. I don't have any choice but to make the two of you become my allies..than to be my enemies...'
"How long did you plan to used innocent people just to get what you want... Aota?"
"A... Akagi! You heard?!" She asked in horror. "How much do you know about me?"
"I know everything about you. Every single thing about you! I won't allow you to do cruel things just to get Sakuragi.
"I see...you know about it. But you can't Akagi. Haruko is under my spell...and she'll listen to everything I'm gonna tell her..."
"Why Sakuragi? I can help you.." He stated calmly.
Aota look shock, gradually sneer. "What the hell was that Akagi? You never even care about me since we were kids...it's that how much you care for that stupid Sakuragi to be willing to help and sacrifice.."
"Of course I care for him." He said and she looked down to hide her face. "But I do care much about you..." He mumbled that made her stunned, then blushed.
"Kaede-chan!" Rukawa's parents exclaimed in excitement the moment she opened the door. "I miss you so much." Her mom said run to hugged her.
"Why are you here?" She glared, intended to close the door but her father immediately stopped her. And both barged in uninvited.
"My my...do you forget what your Dad says that time. We will see you again on the fiftieth day...and that was today! Aren't you happy to see us?"
"Why I can't find our house?" Frowned at both of them.
"Haha...don't be upset Kaede-chan. We have no choice but to force you to lived with Hanamichi-kun and besides..." Her mother's eyes wandered around the house. "His house was too cute for a young couple like you... I can't believe that despite of being a boy, he's very neat and proper." She noticed the pink apron she's wearing and let her stood properly to read what is written on it. 'He's mine...?' She's whispered confusedly, it's with an arrow pointed at the left side.
"Kitsune...who came?" Sakuragi asked, comes out from the kitchen. "Ore... Rukawa-san, Kamiko-san, Keisuke-san. Please sit down..." he cutely scratched the back of his head." Nyahaha sorry, my house wasn't big enough..." He stood next to Rukawa, wears a blue apron.
Rukawa's mother look at both of them and reads the caption written on their aprons. 'She's mine...' Written on the redhead's apron. 'He's mine...' On the lady kitsune's apron, arrows pointing at each other. And she grinned widely. "Oh my gosh! How cute! Isn't it Popsy!" She giggled.
Rukawa narrow her eyes at her mother. "It's not what you think Mom..." And turned to leave to realized what she's giggling for. Suddenly her mother sniffed and started to cry.
"Momsy what's wrong?" Rukawa's father asked.
"Mom..." She turned back.
"Popsy, forgive me. I'm just...well happy and sad. Happy to see our Kaede-chan and at the same time sad..that our child quickly grow up.." And she cried more louder. "Popsy... I can't believe our Kaede-chan is soon to leave us and have her own family...huhuhu."
Rukawa scowl at her. The so-attentive butler give her tissue while lady Kitsune's father comforts her.
"Ano.. Kamiko-san. Don't worry, kit... Kaede-chan can visit you anytime.." Sakuragi assured her.
She wail more louder. "Popsy... I'm going to be a grandmother at my very young age...huhuhhu."
Sakuragi step back, cover his mouth and eyes widen. "You mean..." And look terrified at Rukawa. "You're pregnant? Is that because we're always kissing that's why you get pregnant. Am I going to be a father?..." He asked, voice trembled in shock and fear.
Rukawa's mother stop from crying, approach him and hold his both shoulder. "You're always kissing... Always, as in like everyday?"
The redhead blush and nod. "Yes...yes every night before we go to sleep..." He blurted out.
She turn at Rukawa. "Oh my...you little naughty girl..." And giggled again. "Popsy did you hear that?!"
Rukawa grit her teeth and annoy at the redhead for spilling out everything to her mother, in front of her father and butler. "Mom enough! Don't pollute his stupid mind with your perv thoughts."
"You're so rude...Kaede-chan. I just..."
"Mom enough." She throw another icy glared then look at Sakuragi. "I'm not pregnant do ahou. I'm a boy, remember." And left.
Sakuragi sigh in relief and wipe away the beads of sweat form on his forehead. "Oi kitsune, where are you going...let me finish cooking. Come and sit with your parents."
"No... You stay with them."
"Oi oi,..kitsune...they come to see you...you should..." He shivered and shut up to noticed the murderous aura comes from the lady kitsune. "Hehe...fine I'll sit with them."
"This is really good Kaede." Rukawa's father praised.
"You're right Popsy! I didn't know that you're good in cooking Kaede-chan."
"Do ahou teach me..."
"Do ahou?!" His parents exclaimed.
"Oi kitsune many times I told you not to call me do ahou...you're ungrateful fox. After everything I've done for you..." He pouted.
"Hn. Do ahou."
"My my Kaede-chan. Don't be mean. Aren't you glad Hanamichi-kun teach you a lot of things."
"No." She answered bluntly, her parents sweatdropped.
"Forgive our child Hanamichi-kun."
"Nyahaha, it's fine. The kitsune is always like that."
Everyone continue eating their dinner while happily chatting. After, Sakuragi insist to wash the dishes so she can stay and have a conversation with her parents.
"It won't gonna happen Mom, Dad." Rukawa mumbled, afraid from the redhead to hear their conversation at the living room.
"But he's a good guy Kaede." Her father answered.
"I know but I don't wanna stay like this either."
"Better think about it Kaede-chan, there's no other option unless..." And she turned her gazed at her husband. "But I think it wasn't good idea. It's a lifetime decision for both of you.."
"Don't worry if I'm come back being a boy...he'll forget about me.."
"What do you mean?"
"He's a homophobic...and stupid. There's no way he'll stay in love with me."
"Really?
"Yes. I don't want him to like me just because he's pity on me..."
"Pity? Are you sure about that Kaede?"
"I am Dad. I want to stop this."
"You know we can't Kaede-chan."
"That do ahou just forcing himself to like me and I..." She yelled, at the same time Sakuragi came in the living room to bring green tea for everyone. Rukawa stunned to see the redhead's reaction.
Sakuragi brought the tray of tea and put it in the center table. "I'm going upstairs to ...take something." He said in uneasy tone, tears obviously welled up in the corner of his eyes.
"Do... Hana.. I." She grabbed the redhead's arm but he yanked her hand away.
"I think we have to leave now Kaede. And I don't see that he's pitied you and just forcing himself to like you either. Go and talk to him. Don't be stubborn. He may look tough but he's too fragile. Take care of whatever you had with him. He's really good to for you..."
Rukawa slowly open the bedroom door, and saw the redhead curling at the corner of the bed. "Hana..." She called. "Are you sleeping?"
"Yes." The redhead answered, covered his body with blanket and she chuckled.
"Want to hear a new bedtime story?" She asked, quietly walked and sat next to him. "I got new story."
"Hmp. I'm sleeping..."
"It's a funny story..."
Sakuragi removed the blanket to face her. "Funny? Really? What's the title?"
"The Emperor's New..." 'oh crap what's the title again. Emperor's new shoes... Nah...maybe new crown. Nah, I remember he's naked during the parade.. Maybe he'll need to buy a new...' Boxer." She continued.
"The Emperor's New Boxer?" Returned the blanket to covered himself again. "It's The Emperor's New Clothes...you stupid kistune. How come you don't know that..." He turned around.
'Damn it. How the hell I didn't think about the clothes!' "Do ahou... It's a sequel from... Disney..."
"Dis... Disney?" He turned his back again on her. "You want to trick me again do you? The last time you told me a story from Disney but it's different when I search and watch it on Youtube. Pinnochio's nose supposed to get longer whenever he tells a lie not his...his..." hesitated to continued.
"His what?"
"Ahhh don't make me say it. You despicable fox! And there's another story... I remember. I can't sleep that night coz I really like the ending Even though beautiful Belle turn into beast. And I found out that the beast turned into a handsome prince...not Belle turned into beast too. You're only good in messing up stories you stupid kitsune..."
Rukawa sigh. 'Oh crap not again... I didn't know that the ahou knows how to use internet...' Now she realized the importance of being a good listener during the time when her mother and teacher tells a story and to finish the movie she's watching instead of sleeping. She must think of some other way to capture redhead's affection. "Because that's a new version... "
"It is?"
"Yes."
"Umm... is that so..." And looked at her. "About the sequel...is it really funny?"
"Very..."
"Really? You're not tricking me?"
"No..."
Sakuragi moved and make a space for her to sit comfortably next to her. "Here...make sure it's funny okay..." He grinned excitedly.
'Oh, that was easy.' "Sure." She replied and sat next to him.
Just like always whenever she told him a 'bedtime story' she lean her back on the headboard, stretch her legs, while the redhead puts a pillow on Her lap to let him rest his head. Rukawa pull the blanket to cover him and gently stroke his red locks. It always amaze her on how his red locks remains soft and silky. Never fail to surprise her on how he stay and smell so good even he is sweating during the games. He's very neat to his body and everything around him.
She lean down and whisper. "Do ahou, do you like me?" She asked all of a sudden.
Sakuragi's eyes widen and sat hurriedly. "What?! You think I forget what you said to your parents...why do you think I'm just forcing my self to like you... I told you I'll try and I'm willing to do that..."
"Do ahou that's why I'm asking?"
"I...I..." He stuttered. "You see I..." And stopped when Rukawa leaned closer to him and her soft lips landed on his.
"I like you... Hana..." She said, slowly pushed the redhead to lay down on the bed, overtop. "I do... And I'm sorry to doubt you..."
"I.. you see this is the first time I felt like this. I mean I supposed to hate coz you're a boy too...but...eto...I just realized lately that it doesn't really matter whether you're a girl or boy...you're special to me ...and...I like you...too." He said. His eyes stared at her closely, showed sincerity.
Rukawa lay down, took his arm and rested her head on it then cuddle. "I'm glad Hana.."
"Kaede-chan..."
"Kaede. Just Kaede."
"Ano... Kaede. If ever you went back being a boy again. Do you still like me?"
"Of course..."
"Really?"
"Yes. Coz you're my do ahou." She hold Sakuragi's chin pulliing close to her and planted a gentle kiss.
"Kitsu...ne." Sakuragi blushed. "I like ...you..a ...lot..." Then slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep.
to be continued...
A/N: Thanks guys for reading this fic. Sorry if few of the characters are quite OOC...BUT please hang on with me until the end :)
cousin: thanks. Actually I'm trying to squeeze out Hana's funny side, but then again being threaten by a cunning fox girl it's quite difficult so he needs to be polite and act like loyal boyfriend hehehe...and beside he had some Rukawa's attitude due to spell.
mrsklmezak: thanks. And I'm so glad you also like my SenHana fic. (How Could You?) You're right..it should gone thru a longer chapter but because of my limited English grammar, I just published it into One-Shot.
Guest: thanks...I try my best to update as soon as possible...
OnlyDarknessAwaits1369: thanks...I know and I'm sorry about Rukawa being an OOC...coz to be honest I could really picture him as a tricky and possessive type of person when he's in a girl form lolz..