Chapter 5

He sat there, concentrated on the book that was right before him. It was 12:45 pm on this Thursday and he was as usual in the library, the student librarian that he was. It had been a few weeks since he'd been coming to school. It was nearly one month since moved back here in Japan .

Right now, at this moment, he was reading a random book that someone just returned. He had scanned through it earlier and it had interested him a bit. It was a fictional war story that was lead on both sides by young men. There was a struggle and the war was progressing... and...

"Oh, hey, Rukawa-kun..." It was a feminine voice.

Rukawa looked up and nodded in greeting. The person before him was an old lady who was the head librarian. She was small with smiling eyes - friendly to all. She was a family woman - as proven by her grandchildren who came often who visited her - both grandchildren studying in this school. The woman reminded Rukawa sometimes about his own mother.

"Is there anything you need, Kagero-san?"

"Ah, nothing, nothing..." She looked down at the book that was before Rukawa then smiled. "Just wondering what you're up to. You and I are the only one here right now. No students since it's lunch time and the other student librarian - Kyaro-kun is it? - has something urgent to attend to. Had nothing to do so I came over to chat maybe... What are you reading, Rukawa-kun?"

Rukawa looked from the woman's kind face to his book again. The woman was old enough to be his grandmother. He shrugged before looking up at her. "Oh... It's a war novel."

"Ah? You're interested in that kind of book? I could recommend a few more on that selection..."

"No... It's okay, really. I was just browsing over this, that's all. I was... trying to get myself inspired."

"For what?"

Another shrug. "We're supposed to pass a written 300 word essay or such in English. I don't know what to write about."

"Is that so?" The old woman seemed to be thinking before she brightened up with whatever she had suddenly thought. "You know, Rukawa-kun, when you write something, it has to be something you feel passionate about. That is so you can bring out the true spirit of your writing. You can't force yourself to write something you feel nothing about... What do you feel most passionate about, Rukawa-kun?"

"I... don't know..." Rukawa truly didn't know. Now that he was no longer in basketball and as he was just getting his life restarted, there was nothing or no one he could say he was interested in. He just lived - breathed, ate, slept as was demanded by his life now. Most often than not too, he studied a lot too, focusing a lot of his time on books - something very odd indeed.

"Oh... hmm..." A concerned look. "How about that other boy then? The one who comes here to visit you everytime?"

"Oh... Akira?" Rukawa asked, hearing his friend's first name being spoken by his lips. It was just last weekend when the request to call each other by the first name was spoken by the older boy. Rukawa had no choice really but to agree since that moment had been so... persuasive. He recalled that night they shared with a bit of nostalgia, almost hearing still Sendoh's voice speaking words that made him feel important - even for awhile. He could still feel that moment - the emotions that surged - as well as picture Sendoh in front of him, their foreheads leaning on each other. The memory nearly made him blush if only he had no control over himself.

"Yes... Sendoh Akira, is it? Heard he was someone very popular. He is... a basketball varsity player, right?"

"Yeah..." Basketball... something he tried to avoid but something that he knew in the back of his mind that he missed greatly. Sometimes, he wondered if there will ever be a factor that could make him return to the sport he claimed to hate so much...

"He's in the same english class as you right?"

"Ah... yes..." Rukawa nodded.

"You mentioned this once when he was trying to speak english with you one time and I had passed by. He's very friendly, isn't he?" The woman smiled. She had been observing Rukawa a long time now and had noticed that he was silent and withrawn. She was glad to know that he had a friend who was the opposite of him - Sendoh Akira, that popular basketball pllayer.

"He is..." He could only wonder why she was being so nosy today. Perhaps she was so so bored now... But her presence was somewhat comforting as she liked to fuss on youngsters like him. It was like he was experiencing a maternal influence from her. Looking from her to the book, he drowned out the rest of her words as he looked blankly at nothing, nearly recalling the distant past - his kind mother before she was taken away from him... before she died...

He didn't like to reminisce much because it only brought him pain. So he shook his head from those thoughts and focussed on the old woman yet again. She was still talking...

"...really nice. But he doesn't bring you lunch now, huh?"

Rukawa nodded his head. "I just buy myself lunch before my shift so he doesn't have to buy me everytime. I guess it was his way of... forcing me to eat lunch..."

"Hah, what a nice friend indeed. He hasn't come here today though. I wonder why..."

"Oh... It's the first game of the basketball varsity team, that's why..." Rukawa muttered, wondering who Sendoh was playing against and who was winning. He almost wanted to watch but he knew that contact with basketball would only bring back memories. There was an intense conflict inside him lately though - something that wanted to force him to play again. The memory of forgetting everything because he could jump high and pretend to fly... A dream by a young child who wanted something better in his life...

The woman smiled pleasantly as she saw him have a moment of recollection and she smiled pleasantly before beginning to turn away. "Well... Good luck on what you're going to write, Rukawa-kun. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Oh, and by the way, it's already 1:00 pm. Your shift's over."

Already...? Surprised, Rukawa looked at the clock in the library. He saw that indeed it was already 1 pm. He nodded in thanks before closing the book and placing it in the 'returned books' stack. The next person who'll be taking his spot would do the process of returning them to their proper place once the queue would be full. He saw the woman walk away and muttered a small thanks she may or may not have heard. He stood finally and took a deep breath, picking up his things before moving to leave the library - only giving a faint nod of goodbye to her which was returned by a warm smile.

Once outside the library, he walked slowly in the barely occupied hallways that lead to the building that was used for classes. He didn't know what to do in this one hour of his break - as always. Last week and earlier this week, he was used to spend a bit of it with Sendoh if the older boy was not practicing for basketball. They'd just sit in the gardens and talk on random stuff. He'd learned a lot more of his /friend/ there. Like for example, like him, Sendoh too had not yet chosen anything to major on. Even on his second year in college, he was still dawdling, enrolling miscellaneous subjects that sounded interesting. He even enrolled Photography. In this semester, Sendoh had seven subjects compared to his eight. The memory of them talking about their subjects and other things brought a good feeling in Rukawa - something he could not exactly explain. He had never had a friend before - never used to being so close to anyone - but now, he had Sendoh Akira... Someone who he could call 'friend'. It was a refreshing thing.

He continued on, wondering what he could do now. He tried to recall any activity that may interest him and suddenly perked up once he saw a bulletin board. There were a lot of colorful postings and it drew his attention. Well, might as well read them while he had time to spare, right? Who knows? There may be something that would interest him. He read the first post...

Do you like camping? Are you interested in nature walks? Bird watching perhaps? In general, do you like the outdoors? If so, then join the Nature Club...

Rukawa didn't read the rest since he was not particularly interested in that kind of club. He could just imagine it now - socializing with many different kinds of people. Who knows how many he will offend with his personality? It was better to not join...

He read the next post...

Math Wizards! There is a game...

He moved on to the next right away, not interested in any Math game...

Attention! To all the brilliant web developers out there, we are holding a contest of making the best site out there. Criteria would include the content, graphics, etc. If interested, please contact us at Room 504, Faculty Building. Other details about prizes and other things could be retrieved by the booklet that would be given in Room 504.

This one made Rukawa pause a bit. He was a web developer now. In High School in the States, he had a computer subject where it discussed web development thoroughly at one time. Currently too, he was enrolled in a Web Development class which he had every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The contest was an interesting one. He wondered if he should... Not really thinking, he brought out a pen and wrote the room number and kind of contest in one of the notebooks he had with him.

And then he focussed on another post...

Painters! Now that the Spring Festival is coming, there will be a gallery exhibit. Those who have works could advertise them on this day or simply to show them off. This is a great opportunity to show your skills. Those interested, please go to Room 505. Brochures will be given for more information.

Again, Rukawa was made to pause. Painting? Recently, he'd been thinking on it again. After seeing the extraordinary painting in Sendoh's room, a part of him began longing to paint yet again. To spread brushstrokes to create a portrait... He'd done that as a child. And besides, painting was one good way of occupying his time. Sendoh already offered for him to use his art materials and Rukawa was feeling a bit intrigued to see if he could paint as well as he used to... It would take his mind off his past and would relieve him from pressures. Perhaps he should paint...

Looking once again at the bulletin board, he saw a lot more posts. He did not bother to read any more though, intending to suddenly go and get the brochure and booklet regarding the web development and painting activities. It was not like he was going to join to win. He was just... interested...

Maybe they could serve as an inspiration to that writing he had to do for English. Something he could feel passionate about... He could only wonder if Sendoh had found a topic for their assignment. The two of them shared the same problem of just finding one topic.

Turning his head away from the bulletin board, he looked to the direction of the faculty building. Right now, he was facing an exit that lead to the gardens. He stepped out of the building and saw immediately that the Faculty Building was the closest. Without so much as a hesitation since his interest was perked, he headed towards the fifth floor, passing quietly students and teachers and ignoring some blatantly interested looks given to him. It was something he was used to. In Japan or in America, he made heads turn and interests to perk up. Sometimes he just hated all the attention...

Room 504. The door was opened. Inside, there were two professors, looking at something in a computer. He knocked softly on the door, seeking permission. Two heads turned his way and one of them asked him. "Yes? May we help you?"

"I was..." Rukawa spoke. "Uhm... about the web development contest..."

"Oh! Right!" The man stood up and gave him a bright smile, retrieving a booklet from a box. He turned to Rukawa and handed it, having to look up because he was so tall. "All you need to know is there. If you have any further questions, just return here and ask away. Alright?"

Rukawa looked at the small booklet and nodded, placing it on his jacket's pocket. He nodded politely. "Thank you then..."

He turned away after that and headed to the room right next to it - Room 505. This one was closed so he knocked softly, waiting patiently. The door opened and a bright and cheery young woman smiled up at him.

"How may I help you?"

"...About the contest..." Rukawa wondered why the smile on her face seemed to be engraved in her face. He wondered how a person could smile constantly like that. Then again, recalling Sendoh, he really shouldn't really wonder, should he?

The woman nodded with much enthusiasm before retrieving a brochure from nearby and handing it to Rukawa. "We hope you do join. Good luck with your paintings!"

Rukawa nodded his head and received the brochure, placing it in his jacket pocket - right beside the booklet about the web development contest. Nodding in thanks at her, he turned away, going back dowstairs so he could head to perhaps the gardens... For the rest of the free minutes he had, perhaps it was better to try to write on his English assignment. Not that he had anything to write about yet but it was worth a try. Better to do that than do nothing... And waste himself away...

Leaving the faculty building, he found a nice place to sit in. He sat underneath a sakura tree, opening a notebook and looking blankly at the empty page. He really wondered what he should write. There was still three weeks left to work on this but he should at least think of a subject. But what subject...

The only thing he ever felt so passionate about was... basketball...

But he did not like basketball any longer so...

Rukawa sighed miserably, leaning back against the tree and looking up, watching the slowly diminishing cherry blossoms. A wind blew forth and a few petals drifted down lazily around him. Breathing in the sweet air, he reached up with one hand to dust off the petals that had landed on his hair and clothes. And thinking again, he tried to find a subject to discuss...

***

The buzzer went off.

Yokaze team cheered and hollered in their victory, grinning even though the match had been an easy one. On the other bench, Team Senshi had mildly sorrowful faces, actually expecting this defeat. They were an average team but they lacked stars. Yokaze U had not only Sendoh, the best player in Japan, but also Hidoki, Eikoji, Akito and Minami. Yokaze had good scorers - equalling Tokyo U's last year, though undoubtedly, not this year... not yet...

Sendoh wiped the few sweat off his face, smiling mildly at the outcome of the game. They buried the other team with a score of 120 to 98. It had been quite boring for him. It would only get interesting once they were in the semi-finals and the mediocre teams would be eliminated. He really couldn't wait to be able to face off Tokyo U or just Shigeo or Kanagawa U again... couldn't wait to show Rukawa off to them...

Going to the center court and giving a thanks to the other team with his teammates, his mind was not really on the present. He wondered what the younger boy was doing right now. At this time, 1:00 pm, perhaps Rukawa had just left the library trying to find an activity he could involve himself in. The thought gave Sendoh a smile on his face. His teammates like Akito - Akito was Rukawa's classmate in Geometry - or Hikoichi - people who knew Rukawa from either the past or present... They did not understand him since he was so silent. It was only Sendoh who found the younger boy fascinating - a challenge of sorts. His deep personality was something that was worth exploring and it was fun making the younger boy react sometimes. The most important thing was that they were friends now... which was... nice...

They headed to the locker room and he showered and changed quickly, waiting patiently for the slower team members to finish up. Right now, he was trying to think of his next subject which would be English once again. Not that he really had that much difficulty... He had excelled in nearly all his subjects during high school. But he still hadn't thought of a subject to discuss in his assignment now. Somehow he wanted to discuss something interesting... or someone... He wondered if he could write about the most interesting and fascinating person he found recently...

"Oh, you're done, Sendoh?"

Sendoh looked up and nodded at the team captain - Hidoki Shinji. The seven footer had already finished too so he sat beside Sendoh on the bench. He placed his bag down on the floor and waited too...

"Hey, you're thinking so deeply today, Sendoh. Huh, I wonder if this is about a girl..."

Sendoh looked at Hidoki and laughed. "No... I was thinking about my English class. We have an assignment, you see. Trying to think of what to write about..."

"Is that so? I suggest writing about something interesting."

A nod. "I know. That's what I'm thinking about too..."

The team captain smiled. "Knowing you, it shouldn't be a problem at all. Anyway, I was wondering how's it going with your acquisition of Rukawa Kaede. Hikoichi gave me some old tapes. Those were from his days in Kanagawa. You two really could match up. And there were also the tapes of him in IH. Perhaps I didn't recall since I was already in college then. He's quite good before - has vulnerabilities but very skilled, I think."

Sendoh smiled, recalling those old days too. "Yeah, he was really good. He was very determined too. The first time we played against each other in high school, he could almost match up with me. And just a month or so after that, we were nearly even. He pushes himself hard always, trying to improve his game. That was why he went to America... to get more training. And now, he's back..."

"That's interesting. I wonder though why he suddenly 'hates' basketball..."

"I... wonder too..." Sendoh muttered, looking off to the side, suddenly concerned for his friend. "I'll help him get over whatever he's going through to go back to the sport he loves the most."

"That's good." Hidoki grinned. "Great that you're so persuasive and all. And I heard you two are becoming good friends now too. That's great, you know."

"Yeah, we are, I guess. Thanks..."

Hidoki remained silent with a smile before suddenly rising, seeing that everyone was now prepared. "Hey, let's go Sendoh. Really can't wait to play with Rukawa-kun. But for now, it's time to discuss the upcoming games..." He looked around, finding the small youthful visage of... "Hikoichi? Where are you?"

"Sempai! I'm right here!" Hikoichi rose from where he had been sitting, scribbling some notes." He moved over towards the 7 foot captain and brought along a folded paper with him.

"Okay, we have to discuss the upcoming games everyone. Everyone gather up. Aida-kun, please post the games we have to play."

"Right, sempai!" Hikoichi did as he was told and the game schedule was posted on the wall. Everyone gathered around it and read...

Matsuhito, the coach, neared the post and got ready to speak. "So, that's right. At the moment, we're in the elimination round. To the one and only freshman player, I'm sure Hidoki-kun had already explained how College Basketball works. Unlike in high school basketball which is played by district first then nationals, in college it's different. All colleges who are qualified could join. Elimination round participants and opponents are picked randomly. We have five games to play in the elimination and if we become the number one or two after the elimination round, we get to go to the semi-finals. Hikoichi, continue..."

"Ah, alright, sensei!" Hikoichi came to the front and pointed at the post. "Alright, our first game is finished which is against Senshi. The next game we'll be having is next week on Tuesday against Nori. They will be a much tougher team than Senshi so we better prepare for that one. I've already checked on them and have their game recorded - which they played yesterday - on tape. We'll be watching the game tomorrow morning. Next few games after Nori would be against Nagumo, Mirei and Hidaka. The one we have to watch out the most is Hidaka. Remember that last year, they upset Shigeo U for third place. We have to prepare for that one most definitely. If we are in either 1st or 2nd place, we get in the semi-finals. Any questions?"

Akito raised a hand playfully.

"Yes, Akito-san?" Hikoichi looked at the young man.

"What rank do you think we'll get in the elimination round?" Akito asked playfully, a smile on his face. The others couldn't help but laugh a little since the elimination round was easy.

"Uh... first place..." Hikoichi answered, his lips tugging up to a grin. Yokaze was a confident team because of Sendoh but he knew that the semi-finals were going to be very tough. "But don't be overly confident, guys! The semi-finals will be ten times tougher!"

Matsuhito-sensei just smiled, confident on his players. "When that time comes, Aida-kun, we'll be ready."

"I sure hope so..."

"Alright, is everyone ready? If so, we'll be going back to school now. A lot of you have classes at 2 pm, right?"

"Yup!"

"Right!"

A few more moments of gathering their things and they were all off to their school bus, riding it then driving off, going back to Yokaze University. Sendoh chose to sit at the back, looking blankly at nothing and suddenly trying to think again on what to write for that English project. Because in his mind, he wanted to write on someone he could barely understand... but had a lot of interest on. He wanted to write on the reason behind someone's personality. He wanted...

"Oh, Sendoh-san, you're thinking really deep..." It was Aida Hikoichi.

Sendoh looked sideways and saw his old teammate sit beside him. "Ah, hi Aida-kun..."

"Anything wrong, sempai?"

Sendoh cocked his head to the side then smiled. "Ah, nothing... was just thinking of my English assignment."

"Ah, okay..."

"You needed anything, Aida?"

"Ah... Actually, it's about Rukawa-kun. I've finally found some tapes of him in America..."

"Eh?" Sendoh perked up right away, sitting up straight, his attention focused solely on Hikoichi now. "Do you have them? I really want to find out about his stay there... might explain some mysteries, right?"

"Yup, they're right here..." Hikoichi opened the bag that was placed on his lap and brought out some tapes. "And what's more, Sendoh-san, I've also found some old tapes of him starting out. In grade school when he was just beginning basketball. I haven't watched any of them yet and am curious too..."

"Ah, thanks thanks! If you want to watch, maybe we could watch later on, alright? Let's cheer up Kaede first tonight. Maybe let's eat out or something. He doesn't like to go out to much, you know..."

"That's a great idea, sempai! Let's bring along Shigure-san too maybe."

"Yeah... that guy is too obsessed with his web designing to have any fun. Well, we're not really going to have fun. Just eat out..."

"Heh, sempai, yeah, just eat out..." Hikoichi grinned before suddenly pausing, remembering something. "Oh... Sendoh-san, do you remember that we'll have a three day weekend this coming weekend? You might not know yet..."

Sendoh blinked. "I didn't know... why do we have a three day weekend?"

"Oh, it's a holiday on both Saturday and Monday and of course we naturally have classes on Sunday so..."

"Wow, free days. That's great."

"That's why our usual practices on Saturday and Monday won't push through. It's an opportunity to go home for awhile, that's why..."

"Hmm... I guess I'll go home to Kanagawa... maybe..."

"You know, sempai, I was thinking..." Hikoichi muttered, looking outside as they continued to travel.

"Huh? What?"

"About Rukawa-kun again..."

"What about him?" Sendoh was curious, looking at Hikoichi with interest.

"Since this weekend would be free and you know, about Anzai-sensei being worried about him... maybe it's an opportunity for him to go back to Kanagawa so he could at least confirm that he's alright. I'm sure Anzai-sensei would be very pleased and relieved to see him again..."

"Ah, that's right... That's a great idea..." A nod. Sendoh knew that Rukawa would have to face his old coach sooner or later and an opportunity would be this weekend. He smiled to Hikoichi in thanks. "Thanks for the suggestion. I think I'll bring him along to Kanagawa with me this weekend."

"That's great. Maybe seeing his old coach would make him remember his love and devotion to the sport..."

"Yup... Oh, and where will you go this weekend, Aida-kun?"

"Oh, me?" Hikoichi grinned. "I'm going to Osaka, of course. Anything you want from there, Sendoh-san? The food is really great, you know..."

Sendoh laughed lightly. "That's okay. If you bring anything, I'll be grateful. If you don't, that's okay... Anything you want from Kanagawa?"

"Hmm... not really. Just say hi to Taoka-sensei if you see him! And to Anzai-sensei too..."

"Alright..." Sendoh nodded before looking out the window, wanting to see where they were now. To his surprise, the bus was now entering the school gates, rolling along towards the main building and coming to a stop once they right before it.

"We're here!" Hikoichi laughed.

"I didn't realize we talked too much, I guess..." Sendoh laughed too, picking up his things and watching as the others also began to leave the bus. He stood and moved to exit, saying his goodbyes to his teammates.

Once he was out, he expected yet again the surge of fans, needing his attention, his autograph and such. All kinds of food were handed to him and they were all smiling and laughing, marvelling at the announcement that Yokaze won its first game. The happy faces didn't interest him though as he walked through the crowd politely, evading in the nicest way the offers of dates and such. His eyes were wandering around the garden, trying to search for his friend. He found him sitting underneath a Sakura tree, leaning on it with his eyes closed. Dozing...? Sendoh smiled and felt endearment for the younger boy.

"I'm sorry but I have a class to go to now..." Sendoh muttered to his fans, before leaving them all and heading towards his friend. He heard their sounds of disapproval but didn't give attention to them any longer, striding in long steps towards Rukawa.

A few steps was all it took before he stood before the younger boy, his face in an endeared smile as he watched him sleep. Slowly, he crouched before the younger boy and just watched the peaceful face. Rukawa looked like a child like this... innocent and young...

Not really thinking about it, he reached out to move a stray lock away from the younger boy's face. And right at that moment, the eyes opened to meet his...

Rukawa looked at the person before him who had woken him from the nap and saw none other than Sendoh touching the stray lock in front of his face. He tilted his head to the side, studying the older boy's warm smile at him. And then he blushed, looking away. "...you're back..."

Sendoh recoiled his hand slowly, thinking that the blush was sort of cute... He grinned and sat before the younger boy, placing down the food his fans gave him. He looked at his watch. "Hmm... Twenty more minutes. We have enough time to snack on these, don't you think?"

Slowly, Rukawa looked down to where there were food and drinks. He shrugged. "Your fans adore you..."

A smile once again. Sendoh opened a potato snack and grabbed some, placing them in his mouth. He offered some to Rukawa. <They'd adore you too if you'd play beside me...>

Rukawa looked at the potato snack offered to him before hesitatingly getting one. He looked at it before placing it on his mouth and chewing. His actions provoked Sendoh to laugh at him. Indignant, he looked up, his eyes demanding why the older boy was laughing at him.

A grin. "You're so hesitant with food sometimes, you know. You know food won't bite you or anything. Hey, did you eat lunch? Just because I wasn't here to check if you did doesn't mean you shouldn't."

Rukawa shrugged, wondering at the concerned tone of Sendoh. It was something he was not used to hearing... Sendoh was like... an elder brother... Someone he really shouldn't deserve, he knew... "I ate... You don't have to worry..."

"What were you doing just now?" Sendoh asked as he ate some more. He looked down at the open notebook that was with a few scribbles. The few words written in english was listing down a few topics... "Oh, you're still having a hard time finding something to discuss in your writing? Me too, actually..."

"You still haven't thought of anything... to write on?" Rukawa asked, leaning back on the tree, watching the older boy who was enjoying the snack he was eating. That was a funny thing - for Sendoh to still not find any topic since he was supposed to be the naturally gifted one - the prodigy of sorts. Rukawa had had a hard time coping during high school here in Japan. That was because he focused all his energies in basketball. Wasteful years... Basketball had consumed his everthing back then - he had been so so passionate. But... the sport had been a way... to forget the very distant past... a tragic past he'd rather ignore just like the recent tragic past he'd experienced...

A sad smile touched Rukawa's lips for one moment before it faded away quickly as he knew he shouldn't worry Sendoh about his problems. He didn't want to trouble the older boy anymore - what with this friendship that they now shared.

But unbeknownst to him, Sendoh did see that sad smile. And he he reached out and ruffled the younger boy's hair, capturing attention with his actions and his assuring smile always ready for him. "Hey..."

"What?" Rukawa asked, getting Sendoh's hand off his hair. He looked up and saw the smile wondering what it was for now. For one who only learned to smile in America, Rukawa was in a point in his life when he was wondering yet again why people smiled...

"I'm sure it'll be okay..." Sendoh spoke, breaking through his friend's thoughts. "I know there are things you'd not discuss with me but if you ever need me, I'm here, alright?"

There was again the glint of sadness in Rukawa's eyes before he shrugged, confused why Sendoh would say something like that. "I'm fine, really..."

"Alright... that's alright, for now, I guess." Sendoh nodded before moving towards Rukawa, turning his body around so he too leaned against the old trunk of the cherry tree right beside the younger boy. He sighed and relaxed himself, looking up at the drifting petals in the air. It was times like these he loved most... peaceful, unchangeable...

Rukawa sighed before taking his notebook and pen again, looking at the scribbles he'd written. He'd written topics on painting and the internet. About chatting and such... He'd even thought of discussing fanfiction, and those partners who met online and lived the rest of their life together... But there was really nothing that sparked off his desire to write with utmost passion...

"Why don't you write about basketball?" Sendoh asked suddenly as he cocked his head towards Rukawa's head, leaning on it as he peered down again at the scribbles.

Rukawa stiffened at the touch before taking a deep yet quiet breath. His answer was careless, truly describing his feelings for the sport... "Why would I write about that?"

Sendoh smiled a bit wistfully, unseen by the younger boy. He shrugged before straightening his body, leaning back and putting his arms behind his head. "Love and hate... there is not much difference there, I think. Both of them require a high amount of passion, that's what I believe. Isn't that what the good writers explore on most of the time? The most passionate moments are one of love or hate..."

No answer. Rukawa looked quietly at his notebook, saying nothing as turbulent thoughts invaded his mind. He sighed and looked on up at the sakura falling too, wondering if Sendoh was correct. It was not that he was afraid of discussing basketball... but what basketball reminded him... that connection to his tragedy...

He almost shuddered. But he controlled himself as he pretended to focus on nothing but the beautiful petals that fell like rain all around them. Truly, Yokaze's garden during spring was a sight to behold. He loved, most especially, the cherry trees that were in abundance... And not really thinking, he reached out with one hand, outstretched, catching one soft pink petal that came from the tree above them. He looked at it with wonder...

"You're artistic... I can see it already..." Sendoh observed from his side, the voice hinting a smile on his face.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because you pay attention to the smallest things... You see art in how it falls, don't you?"

A shrug.

"Maybe I understand it since sometimes, I too like to pay attention to things that interest me... or to people who are often not given attention to by people... I like challenges, you see. I easily get bored."

"Oh..." Rukawa really didn't know what to say to that. So, he said something else... "By the way... have you found... a subject for you?"

"Ah, me?" Sendoh looked from high above them to the person beside him. The smaller person was still looking up at the tree, giving it his full concentration. "Actually, I was contemplating on the study of a kind of person... I have a Psychology subject, you know. I think that could help me with this writing I want to do..."

The younger boy shrugged, not really bent on responding.

"Oh, by the way, Kaede-kun..." Sendoh grinned, continuing to watch the younger boy's unsuspecting face. It was amazing... Rukawa didn't look cold at all, marvelling at the sakura above them... Sendoh smiled. "I was thinking of going to Kanagawa this three day weekend... I was thinking that since you still have to go to Anzai-sensei, perhaps you want to come with me? You could stay at my house if there's no place for you to stay in there... It's one rare opportunity when we're free. Of course, you don't want your old coach to worry any longer, right?"

There was genuine surprise in Rukawa's face. He sat up straight and stiffly suddenly, pulling up his knees. There was a certain feeling he felt deep in his gut - something that made him ache. The feeling of defeat and shame once he'd have to face his old coach again. The fact that he had to say he was sorry because it did not work out... he was nothing but a... loser... He was... nothing at all...

"Hey..." Sendoh reached out an arm and rested it gently on the younger boy's shoulder. Rukawa looked up at him with a bit of surprise... in which he smiled reassuringly. "It'll be okay. Remember what I told you? I said I'd be by your side when you go to him, right? I /will/ be, Kaede-kun..."

"Akira..." Rukawa started before gritting his teeth at this weakness. He did not need to depend on others. He didn't /need/... "You really don't have to... It's okay, really... You don't have to..."

"Of course I don't have to." Sendoh nodded his head, softness on his gaze. "But I /want/ to. There is a difference, isn't there?"

He looked away. Rukawa pressed the side of his face to the direction opposite Sendoh and he sighed. <Even if you want to... I really... don't deserve it...>

<Kaede-kun...> Sendoh only shook his head before looking down at his watch. There was only five minutes now. He stretched his long body before yawning, suddenly feeling a bit sleepy because of the relaxing atmosphere. Slowly, he stood, provoking the younger boy to look up at him. He looked on with a friendly gaze at him as he stretched out a hand to offer to help the younger boy up. "Hey, it's English class now... We better not be late or Natsumi-sensei would have a fit yet again. Heh, and by the way we'll go out for dinner later on, okay? Hikoichi and maybe Shigure would join us..."

Rukawa looked at the hand offered to him. He wondered why Sendoh was like this - treating him as if they were really close. Not that he was really complaining... Sendoh was so nice, it almost hurt... But most often than not, he found himself doubting that he could really deserve Sendoh as a... /friend/... Someone so nice a friend when previously he had no friends...

Hesitatingly though... He reached up and accepted the hand offered and he stood, seeing yet again a smile directed at him... <So... strange...>

And picking up their things after that, they moved on in silence towards their classroom, making heads turn to give them attention. There were the shocked glances for the celebrity basketball star Sendoh Akira... And there were the surprised gazes that saw and admired Rukawa for the first time... It was attention they were both used to as they quietly passed through those admirers side by side...

They reached their classrooms immediately and sat at the back where they sat, as always, next to each other. There were the obvious stares directed at both of them immediately as they just sat, both looking out the window...

Rukawa was trying to ignore them yet again, feeling a bit nauseous at their looks on him. He focused on the drifting clouds and recalled yet again... a childhood memory...

Standing by the seashore, looking up at the dawn sky...

Wanting to fly like the birds in heaven...

Angels of the sky...

A dream and secret wish that he doubted would ever be fulfilled...

"Kaede..." The rush of memories suddenly faded as Sendoh spoke. Rukawa looked at the older boy with attention. "We'll go dine out tonight, alright? Lest you shut yourself in your room again... That's not such a healthy habit. And this weekend, we're going back to Kanagawa, if that's okay with you... alright?"

Tenderness in his gaze again.

And Rukawa, watching those eyes - although feeling a bit apprehensive - found himself nodding.

Sendoh smiled before looking forward, seeing as their teacher suddenly entered. The friendly person who confused and contrasted Rukawa as he sat silently, watching him for one more moment before looking away and focusing in front too...

On his mind, questions that slowly replaced the bitter memories of the recent past...

About the person who sat by his side...

<Sendoh Akira... You are a person I have yet to understand. Although I see in your eyes that you are sometimes confused by my personality... I too am confused with yours...>

<I would be easier to understand if you /knew/ me... but I shall perhaps never show myself to anyone again... after what happened...>

<I hear a faint sadness in the air in each whisper I sigh... I wonder what drew you to me? Did you see my desperation that night? We were together and yet again you were trying to convince me to rejoin my formerly beloved sport... I feel so sad when I think of it now... For me to become so weak to hate basketball because it reminds me of what has been done to me before...>

<In the silence of the night when no one could listen, my mask shatters, revealing what I really am. I stand before a mirror and I wonder why hot liquid pour out endlessly from my eyes. Sometimes when I think that during the day, I will see you - the only friend I've ever had in my life...>

<I wonder why that alone makes me slowly... forget...>

<You really confuse me... Sendoh Akira...>

***

"Ah? Why is Natsumi-sensei so mean to us?" Sendoh complained, something he was not usually doing. He even frowned. Their teacher had just told them that instead of passing their assignment after three more weeks, the deadline would be next Tuesday. And what's more, on that same day, they'd all read it in front of the class. That was a bit unfair. No one had done their writing yet and she asked that they spend some of their free days on it? It was frustrating...

Rukawa shrugged in silence as he walked alongside his friend, agitated quite a bit too. It was not that he wouldn't be able to write a piece by Tuesday but... it /was/ unfair. She promised one month and now it was just going to be just over one week. That didn't seem right...

Sendoh sighed as they walked through the hallways yet again, their direction towards Rukawa's classroom for Calculus. Sendoh was going to the same direction since his car was parked near the classroom... "Hey, I'll pick you up in an hour, okay? Then we'll go to... eat someplace..."

"Yeah, whatever..." Rukawa nodded before suddenly pausing as he saw his room number right before him. He turned to Sendoh before looking inside. "I better - "

Something made him pause. There was no one inside when it should already be occupied. Why was that so? He focused on the white board and saw something...

Written on it was: "Calculus, Schedule 3:00-4:00 p.m. has now been cancelled completely. Sorry for the inconvenience but please transfer immediately to another schedule or withraw this subject so you may still get refunds. Mr. Hiroyuki Yamaguchi - your instructor - will not be coming back to school and there are no available calculus teacher at your specific time. We're very sorry."

Rukawa read on... and sighed...

"Oh..." Sendoh muttered, apparently reading right beside his smaller friend. He looked down in curiousity at the younger boy.

"I knew this was going to happen..."

"Why's that?"

"Yamaguchi-sensei... he's always absent..."

"Oh... What are you going to do now?"

Rukawa shrugged. "I'll just withraw, I guess..."

"You sure?"

"I'm undecided with my major, after all... so it doesn't matter really..." Another shrug.

"Well..." Sendoh thought for awhile before he smiled. "At least there's something good that came out of this..."

"What?" Rukawa looked up at him with an honestly confused face.

"There'll be more time we could spend together." Sendoh just laughed, reaching down to ruffle Rukawa's hair yet again...

Which, this time, Rukawa evaded by sidestepping. He saw a mock hurt look by Sendoh before smiling slightly in amusement. "Why would you want to spend time with me?" <I hardly deserve it...>

"Huh? Because we're friends, you idiot." Sendoh laughed before reaching out to place an arm around Rukawa's shoulder - a friendly gesture. He felt the stiffening of Rukawa's form before he heard the protest...

"You shouldn't be doing this..."

"Doing what?" Sendoh asked in confusion. Then he grinned naughtily, pulling Rukawa tighter to his chest. "Doing something like this? Why? Is there someone who'll be jealous, Kaede-kun? You fox, you... so, you've found someone already in this school? Tell Akira-sempai about it..."

"Sempai?" Rukawa asked before rolling his eyes and shrugging off he older boy's arm. "Don't treat me like this. I'm not your girlfriend."

Sendoh laughed, merriment twinkling in his eyes as he did so. He continued to laugh at the seeming joke before clutching his side, not realizing the silence of his friend while he looked at him...

Rukawa shook his head and tried to quench down the pain he felt every time he was being laughed at. It brought a distant memory from when he was too young to understand and he shook his head once again to clear his thoughts of it. When he focused once again on the older boy's face though... he felt...

<...It's wrong, isn't it?>

<What I am, what I was and what I will always be...>

<I'm wrong... the person that I am... am I not?>

<Does that make me a lesser person then? Someone capable to be laughed at because of a simple fact? If I am that person... does that mean I am lesser than the rest of the world... worthy of so many scars upon my heart?>

<Sometimes... I wonder...>

At that moment of intense reflection, Sendoh stopped his laughter. He looked with concern to his friend before sighing, reaching out to suddenly pull the boy to him in a friendly manner. "Hey, what's wrong? You're too serious sometimes... You know me... I laugh at the weirdest things."

"Akira..." Rukawa protested the arm wrapped around him again. He wanted to push away even though what he wanted was that warmth of another person. Always what he had wanted... In secret. But he should not want it, he knew, because that would make him weaker than he already was. During the struggle to push away the heavy arm around him, there were a sudden fit of giggles and they both stopped, seeing a few girls nearby looking at them...

Sendoh grinned and stopped his playful gestures, his voice now in a whisper. "I think they're all looking at you... their new crush..."

"Idiot, they're /your/ fans..." Rukawa said, rolling his eyes and beginning to move away from his position, walking out of the building from the door that was nearby...

"Not my fans. They were looking at you, I swear!" Sendoh snickered as he easily caught up with Rukawa in his taller frame and longer legs. Now 6'5" as compared to Rukawa's 6'2"...

"Whatever... I don't care..."

"Don't care, don't care..." Sendoh grinned. "Come on. Don't tell me none of them interest you at all..."

"Does one of them interest /you/?" Rukawa retorted.

Sendoh looked amazed at the retort. "Heh... nice one. No, I'd like to know them first before they could become close to me... I guess..."

"You..." Rukawa looked up for one moment before shaking his head. "Never mind..."

"Huh? Speak your mind. Don't be shy." Sendoh urged with firmness.

"Nothing... I forgot what I was about to say..."

Sendoh looked doubtful for a moment more before he shrugged. He looked where they were going and saw that it was Sendoh's car. Ah, so they were going to eat now perhaps maybe? Hikoichi should have picked up Shigure and they'd be meeting soon in the parking lot...

While they walked towards his car, he couldn't help but look appreciatively at the younger boy near him. He didn't understand why he was suddenly appreciative of him today... perhaps it was because everyday, the challenge that Rukawa presented gave him something new to ponder upon. It kept him far away from the boredom he loathed from the more... normal people... Not that Rukawa was abnormal... he was just... different...

<Special...>

***

Sitting right before each other in the little cafe just located outside of school, Sendoh watched as Rukawa was hesitantly eating. He shook his head before taking another bite of his sandwich. That boy... Sometimes, he saw him as a brother more than a friend... He was so... vulnerable sometimes... even just in appetite. What did that boy hope to achieve with his way of eating? A more slender body? Rukawa was already very slender, obvious even under all those heavy clothes he often wore...

"Stop looking at me." Rukawa looked up suddenly, startling the older boy.

Sendoh grinned. "You know what I'm about to tell you, right?"

"Yes. And I'm telling you now that this is natural for me..." <I don't need the energy...>

"And I'll tell you again something you need to - "

He was cut off.

"You're like a mother hen, Sendoh." It was Shigure, Sendoh's long time friend since high school. He was sitting beside him, laughing at him silently with just a hint in his gaze. Sendoh frowned playfully.

"Why are you siding with Kaede-kun, Shigure? I've been your friend for so long now, right?"

"Ah, but someone needs to side with him. After all, Aida looks up to you so much... you're his hero... right, Aida-kun?"

The boy who sat beside Rukawa scribbling something on his notebook suddenly looked up. "What was that, Shigure-san?"

"Nothing, nothing..." Shigure said with an amused grin. He shared a look with Sendoh before he focused on Rukawa who was still trying not too hard to look obvious with his flinching with each chew of his food. Shigure smiled. "So, Rukawa-kun..."

Rukawa looked up, not really expecting that Sendoh's friend would pay him any attention.

"Heard today that you went by the office... you know, the one about the contest for web designing... are you going to join?"

"How did you - ?"

"Oh... someone else from that office was from Ryonan too... she saw you when you asked for a booklet."

"I didn't..." <...see...>

"You joining, Rukawa-kun?"

Sendoh looked on curiously at Rukawa. "You're going to join a contest and you're not telling me about it?"

"Huh?" Rukawa looked at Sendoh. <Why would I have to tell you about it?> He looked back at Shigure. "I don't know, Shigure-san... Maybe, maybe not. I don't have any subject to focus on for the site I'll be doing so..."

"Ah, okay..." Shigure nodded with a grin. "You see, I'm in the organizing committee. I was interested once I found out that you were perhaps going to join... Hmm... do you have a site somewhere? I'd like to see..."

"Oh... I don't have a site actually..." Rukawa shook his head.

"Wait..." Sendoh suddenly muttered. When they looked at him, he looked like he had an idea. "What if... you make me a site, Kaede? Sendoh Akira's website..." He had a dreamy smile...

Shigure snickered. "What would be on your site? The guide to how to spike your hair?"

Hikoichi couldn't help but laugh suddenly with Shigure, causing Sendoh to frown. Sendoh looked at the quiet Rukawa and tried to ignore the others.

"Hey, Kaede, maybe I should stop spiking my hair. Do you think I'd look good that way?"

<Why are you asking me this?> Rukawa looked away from the piercing cobalt eyes and looked out the window at his side, watching the black night marred with the bright lights of Tokyo. This was a cheap cafe that served good food and had a great view... It was nice here...

"Kaede, don't ignore me..." Sendoh said in mock hurt. When Rukawa looked at him, he smiled.

<You smile... again and again... as if it means anything...>

<If it was easy to delude myself... I could almost think that that smile...>

<...is for me...>

"Hey..." Sendoh's gaze softened.

Shigure looked on in interest at the two boys before grinning. "Oh, Kaede-kun, I wanted to ask you a question..."

Rukawa immediately looked away from Sendoh, nearly blushing at Sendoh's look at him. <I'm such an idiot...> "What is it, Shigure-san?"

"Just wondering... if you have lots of experience like Sendoh here..."

Hikoichi looked up from what he was yet again scribbling on his notebook. He looked very interested...

"Experience?" Rukawa asked, unsure what Shigure meant exactly by that. It could mean a number of things...

"You see, Sendoh here is what they call a woman killer." Shigure laughed, giving Sendoh a look. "He's the most popular guy in Ryonan before. From looks to personality to brains, he had it all... I wonder if you're the same..."

"Shigure!" Sendoh protested against those words - a protest that was ignored.

The words made Rukawa almost taste bile in his throat. He shook his head sadly, saying nothing else.

"Ah? You didn't have a lot of girlfriends? You were very popular, you know. Didn't you see the numerous girls cheering for you during your matches?"

"I... wasn't looking at them at the time..." Rukawa knew it was a half-lie. There was another reason why he didn't look at them... "Back then, basketball consumned me greatly..."

"Is that why you hate basketball now, Rukawa-kun?" Hikoichi asked from his side. "Because it takes away lots of your time and all..."

"No... I..." Rukawa shook his head, not knowing how to express himself. This was why he hated socializing sometimes... He was always... awkward... out of place... He didn't know how to act at all.

Sendoh thankfully intervened. "I'm sure Kaede has his reasons. If he decides not to play basketball because he hates the sport we used to love to play with each other, I will accept his decision. If it makes him happy..." he trailed off, his eyes watching intently the younger boy's reaction.

Rukawa gritted his teeth at the sudden guilt he was feeling inside himself - that desire to play, to want to jump and run and shoot... and his supressions towards it... his weakness...

"But Sendoh-san!" Hikoichi immediately intervened,  not realizing Sendoh's plan of backward psychology. "He'd be worth so much to the team! And he - " He was silenced by a look from Sendoh.

Sendoh looked again at the conflict in Rukawa's eyes. "Kaede-kun, I respect you and am ready to accept whatever decision you make. I will not force you any longer to play basketball if that is what you desire. The will to play must come from your own heart and not be forced by others. You are my friend and I respect you... your decisions - "

But he was interrupted.

"I don't - !" Rukawa wanted to explain himself, wanted to defend himself. It was as if he was being accused as a coward for running away from basketball. But he knew even if he tried to deny it to them, he couldn't deny it to himself. Why was he so weak so as to run away? Why did he have to hate the very thing that made him dream... that made him want to wish as a young child?

Taking a deep breath, he stood suddenly, rising from the table. He fished for cash in his pocket before placing down his share on the table. Bowing politely once to them, he said his goodbye before moving away. "I'm sorry but... I have to leave now..."

"Rukawa-kun..." Hikoichi watched the boy's retreating form. <Why does basketball give him pain...?>

Shigure was silent while Sendoh sighed and looked away, focusing his gaze on the view of the city outside.

Rukawa walked away from them all with a heavy heart, his soul feeling trampled upon by a million abusive feet. That fear, that longing, that confusion, that despair... mixed emotions on his mind and soul... again wanting him to give up...

<Respect? You shouldn't respect me at all, Akira... Can't you see what I am?>

<If you did... you'd leave too, I know...>

<If you did... I'd lose the only friend I've ever had...>

<If you'll leave...>

<It'll be better because I don't deserve you... at all...>

<And what's more...>

<I'm too used... after all...>

<...being alone...>

He somehow knew that this night was going to be a long one...

***

"Ah!!" Hikoichi roared in excitement as Sendoh, Shigure and himself continued to watch the tape of Rukawa in America. It was a championship game. Ten seconds in the clock. The opposing team had a two point lead. It was now a time-out...

"This is so exciting!" Hikoichi declared, fist punching the air as he watched intently the players and coaches discussing strategy.

So far in the game... Rukawa had score 24 points, gained 5 rebounds, assisted 8 times and stole 3 times. It was so amazing since Rukawa was now the top player in his team. There was one other player who was as good as him, Jake Blair, but at the moment, he seemed so furious that he could barely concentrate on the game. It seems like he was a hotheaded fellow... something that was a bad trait for a team captain.

After a few more moments, the buzzer went off and the game resumed. On the sidelines, it was the tall point guard - number 3 - passing to the small forward, number 9. Number 9 dribbled for a bit before suddenly driving in because of the pressure. As he was about to shoot however, there was the ready blocking hand of the opposing center. He stopped immediately and looked for someone free as the seconds ticked to 5 left. He looked left and right. On his left, it was Blair going toe to toe with the power forward of the other team. On his right, it was Rukawa on the outside, waiting, free, without anyone guarding him. Number 9 looked back at Blair who suddenly warded off his defender and moved to a better position. As he was about to pass to the team captain however, someone was running to intercept the ball that was about to be passed. So, on instinct, he passed it outside to Rukawa.

Rukawa, upon receiving the ball, immediately jumped, releasing the ball in the air before the buzzer went off. All the crowd was silent as all eyes watched the ball sail through the air in an arc towards the basket. They held their breaths as...

The ball went in, not even touching the ring, a three point shot that stole the victory from the opposing team. The crowd of Gregory High went wild and they laughed and jumped about, rushing immediately to the court to congratulate the players.

The team was in joy, jumping up and down excitedly in joy as they received their first-ever championship. But the person who'd given them that victory was only standing there, looking towards the direction of his team captain. He and Blair were looking at each other before the taller boy walked over to Rukawa, pausing to lean down and whisper something in Rukawa's ear. After that, Rukawa just watched him leave as everyone continued to celebrate...

The tape ended...

"Wow..." Shigure could only mutter once he found his wits again. "I can't believe... that's really him... He was beating all his American teammates. He was so concentrated. And he passed a lot. He was a team player. He was... at his best..."

Sendoh still couldn't believe his eyes. Was that the Rukawa he used to know? The boy in the tape was indestructable. He was undefeatable. He was absolutely... the best... And yet...

"Unbelievable!!!" Hikoichi praised, heart beating a mile a minute at the revelation of Rukawa's skill. "I'm sure even you would have a hard time beating Rukawa-kun now, Sendoh-san. I mean look at what we just watched! He was good in all areas - scoring, rebound, assisting, steals, even blocks. Wow, he's a team player too! He should have been the captain rather than that hotheaded and arrogant Blair! He really should have!"

"Ah... I think so too..." Sendoh nodded, his heart beating quicker. Watching Rukawa play like that... All the more now that he wanted to play with him, to test his skill by means of a one-on-one... something they liked to do together always before...

"There are much more tapes! Should we watch more?" Hikoichi asked in excitement.

"Hmm..." Shigure suddenly interjected despite his enjoyment of the game too. "I think it's rather late, Aida-kun." He looked up at he clock in Sendoh's living room and it read 11:34 pm. "You know, you and Sendoh have to attend practice tomorrow morning, right? And I actually have a class at 7:30 tomorrow..."

"Ah, so we have to go now then!" Hikoichi suddenly announced.

"Guess we should, right?" Shigure nodded his head.

"Want me to give you guys a lift home?" Sendoh offered.

"No! No!" Shigure protested. "There are lots of taxi in this area."

"Are you sure?"

"We'll be fine, Sendoh-san!" Hikoichi grinned.

"Oh, okay..."

The two immediately stood and gathered their things, walking towards the door. Sendoh stopped them only with his words... "Aida, how about the tapes..."

"Oh! Those are just copies made for me. You don't have to worry about them. They're yours now."

"Eh? Oh, thanks..."

"No problem!" Hikoichi and Shigure waved before they left the condo and closed the door behind them.

Once they were gone, Sendoh looked down at the rest of the tapes on the floor before picking up a random one. Smiling, he popped it in his VCR after taking out the previous tape they watched, waiting for picture to show...

However...

There was already a game going on. There was something different though about this tape. It seemed older and the players... Sendoh blinked. The players were children. Squinting his eyes, he tried to find if Rukawa was in there. It would be amusing to see Rukawa so young...

The camera focused on Ichidaki Elementary School defending. A lot of them were already tall but there was one that hadn't seemed to have gone through puberty yet like a lot of them have. It was a smallish, slender young boy who had soft ebony hair, ice blue eyes and ivory skin like no other on any of the two teams. As Sendoh focused all his attention on that boy, he could not help but see the weariness and pain that he carried in his gaze...

Old eyes...

That was... Rukawa Kaede as a child?

Sendoh blinked. As he was about to make more observations on the cute child that was now his friend, something flashed on the screen. It was a reminder that this was... a championship! Right now, Ichidaki was behind by one point to the other team. There was twenty seconds left.

But then, one of the members of Ichidaki suddenly made a successful steal. Sendoh's heart almost leapt when the ball was suddenly passed to little Rukawa-kun. But then, Rukawa suddenly passed to someone who was more open. Time left was ten seconds. The player who had the ball tried to drive in before suddenly faking and passing the ball to the outside - to where a slender boy caught it.

Rukawa held the ball with both hands, made his stance before jumping high, releasing the ball in the air at two seconds remaining. The ball sailed through the air and...

Everyone looked up...

The buzzer beated...

The ball made a bounce on the ring, once, twice before...

It fell out.

The other team was ecstatic but the camera was still focused with the losing team. Everyone was looking at Rukawa. Rukawa's head was bowed and no one knew what he was feeling. Angry, some of the boys went to him and suddenly hit him. Vile words were screamed at him and he didn't react, too guilty and too tired to fight back. And then suddenly, the coach intervened. He came closer and lifted Rukawa's chin up. There were two tracks of tears running from the sides of both eyes. The coach had a look of mockery on his face before he shook his head pitifully at the child. At the next moment, Ichidaki team with its coaching staff and players left the court, leaving the weeping child alone amidst the happy champions who did not notice him.

The tape continued to roll as the boy stood there dejectedly, head bowed, tears continuing to run down his face...

That was when the tape... ended...

Sendoh breathed deeply. The raw pain and harsh emotions the young boy Rukawa had had to go through were so immense that now... why did his eyes... why were they...?

<Tears?>

Almost as if automatic, he reached for the nearby phone, dialing a number he had memorized just recently. It did not pick up for awhile. But when he suddenly heard a muffled voice, he could not help but feel that there was immense loneliness at the other end.

"Who... who's this?"

The words... seemed choked... as if the owner of the voice had been... crying...

Sendoh answered in a gentle voice. "It's me..."

"Akira..." The voice suddenly seemed calmed, as if Sendoh had been the cause of that calmness.

And Sendoh suddenly smiled, the tears in his eyes slowly... fading...

"Kaede."

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