Chapter 22- When In Osaka

Warning/s: SenRu, Lengthy, OOC/ Standard Disclaimers Apply

A/N: Again, you're not dreaming. Its Chapter 22. I'm just gonna leave it here like some dog poop. =D

XXX

Kogure yawned as he continued packing his bags. The aftermath of the party last night's is clearly evident under his eyes. He sighed and took note of the sleeping figure on the bed. Ayako was clearly semi-drunk last night as she went on head to head with some of the players. He noticed her going into their room at around 3:30 in the morning. The door to the washroom opened, revealing Haruko who was already dressed up and was toweling her hair. "Ayako-san is still asleep?" Haruko muttered softly. Kogure nodded and shrugged. "I thought she went to bed last night with you?" Haruko shook her head. "She wouldn't go with me, Kogure-senpai." Kogure simply nodded. "Well, I'll head to see if Akagi is already awake then we'll check on the others." The Vice-Captain of Shohoku exited their room quietly. Haruko stared at the still figure on the bed and tried to tapped her senior on the shoulder. "Anou, Ayako-san… its 8am already…" She muttered gently. Ayako stirred, groaned and opened an eye, clearly she was still in dazed.

"Mmghhh…"

"Ayako-san…"

But Ayako kept her eyes shut. Haruko could only sighed in resignation. Meanwhile, Kogure arrived in front of Akagi and Uozumi's room, knocked and was generously received by their Captain. "You're up early, Kogure." Akagi muttered as he rubbed his eyes. Uozumi simply nodded at Shohoku's Vice-Captain and returned to stuffing his things in his duffel bag. "Have you checked on the others?" Kogure asked. Akagi simply yawned and sat down on the corner chair. "No, I'm trusting everyone knew of the time." Kogure simply shook his head. "We can only hope so. Its been a hell of a night, eh, Akagi?" He stated. The Shohoku center simply snorted, mildly remembering last night's ruckus—it wasn't his thing, but Akagi must admit that it wasn't bad to be joining in the fun once in a while. Uozumi zipped his bag and scratched his head. "Damn, I gotta go someplace first." The two Shohoku players simply nodded as the former Captain of Ryonan exited the room.

Uozumi made his way to the camp's cafeteria to actually get a cup of coffee, he was still yawning and rubbing his eyes when he saw that he wasn't alone. Apparently, everyone was able to get up or at least, tried to get up on their feet. Kainan's team was up and about and judging from the looks of it, seems like they're all packed and ready to leave anytime soon. Shoyo's team is also already up and about except for their team's Captain who is nowhere to be seen. Uozumi took a cup and made his way to his team—Uekusa, Hikoichi and Ikegami.

"Captain!" Hikoichi beamed but his eyes still looked a bit sleepy. Uozumi smiled and sat beside the first-year. "Ohayo minna." The others acknowledged him. Uozumi frowned. "Where's Fukuda, Koshino, and…Sendoh?" Ikegami simply shrugged. "I don't know, they're still probably snoring their lungs out." Uekusa nodded. "They finished late last night—or more like, they just finished early this morning." He smiled. Uozumi simply snorted and shook his head, almost regretting that he had to leave his team behind someone carefree as Sendoh. "Are you boys packed?" The three agreed in unison.

XXX

Koshino seethed his teeth as he tried to fight the sleepiness trying to overwhelm him. He stood in front of their washroom's door and knocked for the third time already. "Damn it Mitsui, get out of there now! Are you fucking sleeping in the toilet? You've been there for like thirty-minutes already!"

"I just got in here, nutwit." Mitsui hollered back as the sound of toilet flushing resonated. He momentarily opened a slit on the door revealing his disheveled hair, dark eyebags under his eyes, and a frown so deep, one would drown. Koshino was unfazed as he tried to push the door open only to be countered by Mitsui. "K'so, its my turn!" Mitsui, with his more masculine frame pushed back. "N-not yet, you imp!" Koshino snarled and let out expletives. "You're done already, get out there, I need to pee you idiot!" Upon hearing that, Mitsui gave way by letting go of the door making Koshino almost fall flat on his face. "What the heck Mitsui-?!" But the three-pointer of Shohoku simply chuckled and went out, wrapped only with a towel from waist-down.

He plopped down on the nearby chair and yawned. "You know, I must have been a tad bit drunk last night to forget about Sendoh and Rukawa." Koshino was washing his hands when he heard his teammates name being mentioned. He turned off the faucet and turned to his roommate, leaning on the door frame wearing only a plain white shirt, boxers, and his familiar scowl. "Everyone's drunk, the heck are you saying?" He muttered.

Mitsui shrugged and smirk. "I mean, I forgot that they're already together and had to ask four-eyes from Shoyo, bwahaha!" He chuckled at his own stupidity, his shoulders moving up and down in mirth of laughter. It was nonsensical, really. "Haha- the Vodka is legit alright." Koshino simply rolled his eyes and shook his head. "And to think you guys are going to the IH, doesn't make any sense either." Mitsui scoffed. "Tc, we won fair and square, shawty!" Koshino simply muttered incoherent words while packing his things. Mitsui straightened up and stretched his arms. "Yo, tell me, is Sendoh the only queer guy amongst you?" He lopsidedly smirk, his dark blue eyes seemingly darker than usual. Koshino stared at the bulkier guy before him and frowned. "What the hell, you really should be minding your own business." Mitsui laughed and playfully whacked Koshino on the back; Koshino gritted his teeth and hollered. "Hey, we're not close! Don't pat me as if I'm your teammate, doaho!"

Mitsui simply shrugged. "Yare yare, well I honestly thought you might also be liking your new Captain you know." He smirked. Koshino flustered and went mad, the three-pointer from Shohoku simply laughed. "The hell! How dare you say that!"

"Hahaha, I feel like you liked him. I noticed you being all too fussy over him whenever he's around, bwahaha!"

"What the hell, are you for real Mitsui?" Koshino frothed.

Mitsui, being in the mood to be the 'bully' decided to continue, "Hey, my intuition on these things—they're always on point." He paused. "So, do you also have a crush on that Sendoh?" Mitsui asked boldly, wondering also why he did but asking nonetheless. Koshino's ears turned red as he huffed and pointed accusingly at his roommate. "What the-?! I-I'm not gonna answer that!" He stammered, sending Mitsui's brows to raised.

"Oh?"

"He's our captain, we're friends and that's it!" A pause. "And he's already got your Super rookie!" Mitsui simply chuckled, amused at the childishness of the latter. "Ouch, that must have hurt." Mitsui chided even further, Koshino turned beet red, he almost shouted. "And why the hell are we even having this discussion, its not like we're friends!"

"Chill man, your ruckus makes you look… guilty or something, hahahah! No need to get hypertensive!"

"Oh you shut up, repeater!" Koshino wailed. Mitsui frowned, having sort of been hit on the nerve by something a tad bit personal. He smirked though. "I don't really mind repeating a year in high school ya know. Its all part of being a student."

"Tell that to the ants on the wall." Koshino muttered and rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Mitsui simply chuckled and went into the washroom, feeling satisfied to have bullied his uptight roommate.

Meanwhile…

If there's one thing that's probably bothering Fukuda, its not about having a hangover or the slight throbbing of his head; it's the person lying on the bed. Sitting on the chair, he's trying his very best to contemplate about last night's event; coming up with no idea or clue how it came to be, he came to accept that everyone is mightily drunk last night as a result of this morning's chaos. Fukuda stood up and almost wobbled, he scratched his nape before deciding to exit the room, leaving the still sleeping figure behind. 'Taichou, where did you sleep last night?' He mused inwardly.

XXX

Sendoh stirred in his sleep as he groaned and tried to lay flat on his back but to no avail—feeling a figure behind him, he tried laying flat again but the said 'block' wont budge. Sendoh opened his sleepy eyes and furrowed his brows, still unaware and nonchalant about his surroundings. 'What the…' The Ryonan Ace carefully hoisted himself up from the bed and sat to turn to his right, eyes focusing on the still figure laying on his side.

Focus. He blinked once, twice… then stared again, this time at the head—and almost fell off the bed when realization struck him. "What the fu-?!" He found himself muttering instead. He hastily got off the bed when he heard a knock on the door; he briefly looked around the room and took note that-this wasn't his room! Feeling panicky, he placed both hands on top of his face and ran his fingers across his disheveled hair. "What the hell-why am I here…" He muttered to himself. He barely remembers last night's events, all he could think off was how they all decided to drink until they floor themselves. A knock again on the door and finally it opened, revealing none other than…

"Er… Maki-san." Sendoh flately stated. The Kainan Captain stared at the taller Ryonan Ace and smirked, uttering no word. He walked past him while holding a cup of coffee and placed it on the table nearby. "You looked like you've seen a ghost, Sendoh." Maki almost chuckled to his amusement. Just then, the figure on the bed stirred and laid flat on his back, snoring a bit as he did so. Maki's eyes gleamed with an unknowing delight, partly anticipating the ruckus once the figure on the bed wakes up. And as if on cue, the aforementioned figured, stirred and rubbed his sleepy eyes—opening one, then two, slowly hoisting himself up and looking at the two figures staring equally back at him.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!"

Sakuragi jumped off the bed and pointed menacingly to Sendoh and Maki. Eyes bulging out of their sockets as he closed his fist in preparation for a fight. "TEME! What the fuck! What the hell… Why am I here! Why are you both here!" Sakuragi fumed in both surprised and disgust as he saw Maki sitting on the coffee table, legs crossed, a smirk on his tan face, and Sendoh who was simply standing up on one corner… without a shirt on, revealing his well-toned upper body and abs. "Teme Sendoh, showing off your body! Hah!" Sakuragi shouted.

Sendoh winced at Sakuragi's loud voice and took note of the redhead's bare upper torso—the power forward of Shohoku just slept with his boxers on. "Jesus Christ Sakuragi, keep it down will you…" Sendoh muttered as he tried to pacify the huffing and puffing redhead. "I'm not showing off my…" Sendoh rolled his eyes, realizing its probably impossible to argue with the simpleton Sakuragi.

"Teme, how dare you use the name of the Holy One in vain!" Sakuragi scathed.

Maki was stupefied as he laughed aloud, alerting the two players. "Teme old man! You dare laugh at my statement!" Sendoh sighed exasperatedly. "Sakuragi, what the heck-?" And the Ryonan Captain could only shake his head in disbelief.

"Cant fucking believe, I'm on the bed with you, Spiky! Teme!" He fumed. Sendoh rolled his eyes and placed an arm on his hip. "If there's one person I'd share my bed with, its definitely not you." He almost snorted and smirked. "Teme, who the hell would want to be roommates with you!" Sakuragi plummeted.

Sendoh wryly smiled. "H-hey, didn't you say you wanted to be roomed with me on our first day?" Sakuragi, remembering indeed he said that, for some unknown reason felt his blood rushed to his ears, feeling a bit embarrassed. Maki simply sipped on his cup and chuckled amusedly. "Tsk, everybody wants a piece of you, Sendoh." The aforementioned name simply snorted, but his lips were curved upward. 'Damn, my head is pounding.' He mused inwardly. Sendoh paced back and forth in search of his shirt and wondered why is he shirtless anyway? 'Fuck, please don't tell me I removed my own shirt and plopped down on the bed with this loudmouth.' Sendoh's mind raced and is in a disarray. Maki chuckled at the sight of the chaos; this is just what he was waiting for…

"The hell old man, the fuck are you laughing, teme!" Sakuragi fumed as he found his jogging pants and immediately put them on. "What did you do to the tensai, answer, both of you!" He threatened the two which made Maki even laughed some more. Sendoh pounded on the closet. "I cant find my shirt, Sakuragi, where is it?" He frowned. Maki continued laughing, his shoulders shaking as he shook his head slowly.

"Teme, how dare you asked the Tensai, I don't know where your shirt is you perverted Spiky!" Sakuragi smoked with annoyance. Sendoh frowned. "Hey, I'm not a pervert, who's wearing just a pair of boxers?"

"Oh yeah, what's the problem with boxers, you don't have one?" Sakuragi waied.

"I have tons of them, but I don't strip off my pants and lie down with whomever with just them on, drunkard."" Sendoh rebutted, quite annoyed but his voice remained calm.

"Teme Spiky, I'm not a drunkard, you were the one who was crawling last night!"

"Nope, I'm still well aware—I did not crawl last night, it was you."

Sakuragi continued ranting. "Oh yeah, why didn't you sleep on your room!"

"Well, this isn't your room either." Sendoh countered, annoyed as he entered the washroom and finally found what he has been looking for.

"Teme, I thought this was my room!" Sakuragi reasoned and shot a glare to the senior amongst them. Sakuragi heard Sendoh shout inside the washroom as he washes his face with cold water. "Not my fault you didn't know this wasn't your room."

"And you, old man of Kainan, why didn't you wake us up!"

The two only stopped when Maki had enough and stood up laughing so hard, he found himself leaning back on the wall. The two tall players simply groaned. "Teme, you think you look good while laughing, you don't!" Sakuragi smirked as he continued his banter. Sendoh found himself scoffing as he, too, chuckled a bit.

"Hahaha….are you both…awake now?" Maki finally managed to asked in between his laughter, tears almost swelling onto his eyes.

"This is your fault, you should have wake us up!" Sakuragi insisted. Just then, the door opened, revealing Fujima who's face clearly indicates that he knew what happened. He chuckled and grinned. "So… had a good night's rest on our room, you two?"

"How did we end up here?" Sendoh queried. Fujima laughed. "Long story, to cut it short, everyone is so drunk last night that we all ended up switching rooms." He laughed. Sendoh's eyes widened… Switched rooms? If there's one thing that he's worried now, its none other than…

"Shit… I gotta go… I mean… I gotta find…" Sendoh muttered, feeling panicky and alert and emotions rushing through his veins like adrenalin. 'Sheesh, Kaede where did you sleep last night!' How he almost wished that it was Rukawa who was beside him and not Sakuragi—of all people. Fujima saw the worried look on Sendoh as he playfully teased the taller one. "I heard he slept with Mitsui." Sendoh's eyes widened a bit, feeling a tad bit anxious if it were true indeed, but he kept his cool—he knew that would never happen.

"Hahahah! Micchy-kun of all people. The guy's a maniac." Sakuragi sneered as he put on his red Shohoku jersey. Sendoh rolled his eyes, aware that he was being taunted. "Nice try guys, but I know Kaede well." And he almost smirked. Fujima raised a brow. "Confident much, eh, heard he's a brawler." Sakuragi simply laughed and nodded. "He sure is, Captain of Shoyo!" Fujima twitched his lips upon the name drop Sakuragi called him.

Sendoh excused himself nonchalantly and opened the door to look for his raven-haired beau. He shrugged and grinned as he exited the room, leaving the three players bewildered but amused as well. "I dare him to stop me." He playfully retorted back.

XXX

Sendoh walked the empty halls of the floor, two fingers on his temples as he felt them throb from lack of sleep, hangover, and other random thoughts. Just then, a room opened. "Akira!" Koshino pulled the strap of his bag closer. "Akira!" Just then, Mitsui exited the room as well, donned in his usual plain white shirt and Shohoku jogging pants, his face lit up instantly. "Hoho, Spiky! We were just talking about you." A smirk. Sendoh nodded at Shohoku's three-pointer and wasted no time asking. "Have you seen Kaede?" A smile. Mitsui furrowed his brows and looked up a bit. "Nah, why'd you asked us?" He shrugged. Sendoh snorted a bit, remembering the taunt and teasing he got a while back with Fujima and the others. "What the heck, where'd you go last night? Where'd you sleep?" Koshino asked like a worried hen. Mitsui partly glanced at his roommate and smirked almost gaudily. Sendoh ignored Koshino and tapped the three-pointer of Shohoku. "Alright, thanks anyway!"

"You looked wasted, Spiky." Mitsui sneered. Sendoh simply nodded and sighed. "Yeah, my head hurts." Mitsui shrugged. "Just drink lotsa water, man." Sendoh smiled and nodded, appreciative of the small gesture. "Well, I haven't seen your Sleeping Beauty, why don't you ask Akagi and your Boss Monkey?" A smirked. Sendoh nodded and waved. "Yeah, sure. Will do." Koshino fumed a bit as he was blatantly ignored, fist forming into a clench. "Teme! Why you, hey Akira! Akiraa!"

Mitsui laughed as he held on the toothpick he has been keeping inside his mouth for some time. "Being ignored? Worst feeling ever. Hahaha!"

"What the—shut up, Mitsui!" Koshino fumed.

Meanwhile…

Fukuda opened the door to his assigned room with two cups of coffee as well on his hands and paused when he still saw the same figure, lying on his bed. Fukuda wordlessly placed the coffees on the table and fished for his celphone, deciding that it would probably better to just inform the 'owner' of the package. The phone rang on the other line and a seemingly dazed but deep voice answered. "Yes?" Sendoh answered not even bothering to look who called.

Fukuda rolled his eyes a bit and sip on his cup of coffee. "Taichou…"

Sendoh paused when he was in front of Akagi and Uozumi's room. "Kicchou, how are you, my head hurts man." Fukuda smirked on the other line, unnoticing the figure on the bed stirring and soon after, bright, cerulean eyes, opening with a usual scowl on his face.

Rukawa rubbed his sleepiness away and hoisted himself up on the bed, quietly observing his surroundings and soon enough finding his gaze on the only other player inside the room—it was the Ryonan power forward, he seemed to have forgotten his name, but the said person was staring as well right at him, a hand on his phone-on one ear.

"Taichou, where the heck are you?" Kicchou muttered.

"Uh, Akagi-san's room?" Sendoh muttered on the other line.

Fukuda rolled his eyes and shook his head. Rukawa stood up, ignoring Fukuda but very much noticing that it must be Sendoh whom he was talking to. He momentarily paused and glanced at his phone and saw a few missed calls and some messages—well, from Sendoh mainly, like just a few minutes ago. Rukawa scratched his head, as if thinking, how he ended up in this player's room. His eyes scanned the room and noticed a familiar Shohoku duffle bag, quickly recognizing the owner to be Sakuragi.

And as if on cue, the door opened, revealing a frowning Sakuragi. Rukawa scowled but kept his cool demeanor fa?ade. "Kso…" he started and was even more stupefied when he met the gaze of no other than…

Rukawa simply stared at him, tilted his head slightly to the right which made the redhead furious. "Teme! Kitsune, what the fuck are you doing in our room!"

Fukuda held the phone receiver towards the shouting Sakuragi.

"H-hey, is that Sakuragi? Is Kaede there?"

Fukuda simply snorted and nodded. "Yep, the two monkeys of Shohoku are here in my room, Cap. Go get your 'monkey'."

The two started their usual bickering with Rukawa simply rebutting snide remarks. Fukuda stood up, alerting the two Shohoku players and stared at Rukawa. "I got you coffee, Rukawa. Here's yours." Fukuda pointed at the cup on the table. Sakuragi snarled but ignored, wryly smirking as if belittling his teammate. "Haha, the Tensai doesn't need caffeine to wake him up."

Rukawa blinked twice, slight confusion at the other's actions. Fukuda stared back and shrugged. "Its safe." Sakuragi laughed and plopped himself on the bed. "You should've put poison in it or something, Fuku-chan!" Fukuda ignored the redhead; Rukawa simply nodded and held on the cup for a sip; just then the door opened and revealed no other than, Sendoh Akira whose hair has completely fell off like fringes.

"Teme, Spiky!" Sakuragi grunted. Sakuragi, ignored for the second time—fumed a bit as Sendoh approached his younger beau who was simply looking back at him as he sips on the cup. "Kaede, I was actually looking for you." A smile. Rukawa placed the cup and simply shrugged. "I… I guess I fell asleep here."

Sendoh looked at Fukuda who was simply standing on one corner, eyes looking so passive as he quietly observed the two. Sendoh simply tapped his colleague on the arm. "Thanks." Fukuda, feeling a bit playful, raised both of his brows. "Oh? What for?" Sendoh simply shrugged. "For taking care of my beloved." He chuckled when he saw Rukawa flushed.

Rukawa would have spilt his coffee as he felt blood rush to his ears, glared at Sendoh but the latter only winking at him. "Oh? You're not gonna wonder if I slept with him or not?" Fukuda muttered. Rukawa glared and seethed—having too much embarrassment he's been receiving already lately. Sakuragi shuddered playfully. "Eww, gross!" Sendoh simply chuckled and approached his younger beau, placed a hand on the latter's head and ruffled his hair affectionately. "I trust you, Kicchou. Besides, you said he wasn't your type." Sendoh chuckled when Rukawa slapped his hand away. "I'm gonna kill all of you here."

Sendoh simply stared at his younger boyfriend and mouthed 'I'm sorry' but Rukawa simply rolled his eyes, sat down on the chair and stared at nothing in particular. Sendoh sat in front of him. "Ugh, my head actually hurts." Rukawa pushed his coffee towards his older beau. Sendoh stared at the cup, grinned, and sip. "Thanks, love." Rukawa twitched his lips but actually felt blood creeping on his cheeks. Their eyes met briefly.

"Where'd you sleep?" Rukawa asked first. Sendoh stared at the redhead who was busily browsing on his phone. "With him. I mean, beside him." Sakuragi noted he was being pointed at, looked at Sendoh and smirked. "Jealous already, fox?" He laughed. Rukawa simply looked behind him and disregarded the power forward. Sendoh simply chucked and shook his head. "Everyone seemed drunk last night, Fujima said we all switched rooms." Rukawa simply nodded. "It seems so."

"How about you, how'd you ended up here?" Sendoh wondered. Rukawa shrugged. "Not sure either."

Rukawa partly remembered that he did drink a few but was responsible enough not to drown himself, unlike the others—Mitsui, Miyagi, some Ryonan players, Shoyo, and Kainan as well. Not that its bad, it was an occasional get-together and everyone seemed game.

Sendoh snorted and took another sip of coffee. "You want to eat breakfast?" He asked the stoic boy from Shohoku to which the latter simply paused a bit before nodding. "Okay." Sendoh simply smiled and stood up, extended his hand to the baffled Rukawa who was sitting. "…"

Sendoh smiled. "Hold on to me…"

Rukawa would have kicked his older beau for making his chest race for the nth time that day.

"C'mon lovers, just kiss already! Nyahaha!" Sakuragi, of all moments had to say it aloud. Sendoh, surprised at Sakuragi's bold statement, found himself wide-eyed a bit, feeling the sudden rush of blood to his ear as he simply chuckled and scratched his nape. Fukuda smirked and walked towards the washroom. "I aint looking, go ahead Taichou."

Rukawa who was flushed, stood up abruptly in an attempt to pummel his teammate. "I'll kill you…" Sakuragi who playfully stood up and fished for his celphone; attempting to capture it on video. He laughed boisterously, amused that he now has the upper hand against Rukawa. Sakuragi was lucky enough to dodge when Rukawa swung his fist—but wasn't lucky enough when the stoic small forward succeeded in kicking the redhead on his hip.

Sakuragi plopped, enraged and was about to retort back when they were both finally held by the two Ryonan players. "Okay! Hold up, that's enough! Sakuragi's just joking, calm down Kaede." Sendoh pulled the younger one to him.

"Ch, let go of me, I'll get this idiot this time for sure." Rukawa almost seethed. Fukuda simply blocked Sakuragi from causing another ruckus. "Teme, stay out of this, Fuku!" Fukuda simply glared back and reprimanded the redhead. "You, stop. Commoner."

Just then, the door opened and it was none other than Akagi and Uozumi. "What the hell are you guys doing? We only got an hour before we leave. Pack up!"

"Teme Gori! Sendoh's about to kiss Kitsune!" Sakuragi hollered and laughed. Akagi and Uozumi turned red and Akagi menacingly looked at the Spiky-haired Captain of Ryonan. He squinted his eyes. "Why you…Sendoh." Sendoh raised both of his hands and shook his head. "No, no, not true, Akagi-san! Sakuragi is just pulling your leg."

Akagi shouted and instantly the room was vacated. As the two Captains walked on the aisle, Uozumi found himself laughing. "Don't tell me you're not dying to know if Sendoh would kiss your star player, right?" Akagi turned red but said nothing. Uozumi simply laughed and pat his companion on the back.

"Protective senior, yare yare…"

"Shut up, Uozumi. I already told you I need him to be up and about in the Inter High! He needs to be in condition." Akagi seethed.

"Well, that is why Sendoh is tuning him fine, hahaha!" Uozumi laughed upon saying that making Akagi sighed in resignation.

XXX

Room 5- Sendoh/Rukawa room

Rukawa zipped his bag and stared at the older guy he's with—Sendoh just emerged from the bathroom, towelling his hair—he was just wearing his Ryonan jogging pants and some plain white crew neck shirt. "Cant believed we're leaving." Sendoh stated as he pumped gel onto his hands. Rukawa simply shrugged but nodded in affirmation. "So, what'd you do after this?" Sendoh queried, expertly running his fingers through his hair, preparing to spike them again. Rukawa simply looked up at him. "I still got a few assignments left." He muttered. Sendoh nodded as he busied himself in front of the mirror. "How about you?" Rukawa returned the question.

To be honest, these are probably simple things that surprises him—especially to himself. Before he wasn't really even responding much, lest, returning a question to someone has been quite a feat for him. Sendoh seemed to have been quite an influence in his life alright—and it's the good kind.

"Same. Last minute assignments, then Christmas party." Sendoh turned his head from left to right, checking whether his hair is in place and smiling when he's finally done it. He turned and met the unperturbed gaze of his younger companion. "How do I look?" He grinned. Rukawa simply snorted. "The usual."

Sendoh chuckled amusedly and approached his younger beau, placed both hands on the armchair, bending down a bit, head tilted ,closing the distance to their faces by centimeters; Rukawa's eyes widened as his space was slightly intruded but was late to react when his lips touched the latter's in a seemingly soft and quick kiss. Rukawa pulled back quickly as he felt his face heating; Sendoh simply chortled a bit. "Sorry, I know you're not used to…" He paused. Rukawa simply sighed and found himself staring at Sendoh's shirt rather interestingly. He's not mad though.

"You're so beautiful, sometimes I cant believed you're mine, you know…" Sendoh stated in his low voice. Aware of the emotions he has been harbouring for the past few days; still amazed that his trip to Osaka made him realized that real love begins where nothing is expected in return, he was just lucky and blessed to have it coming back at him.

Rukawa would have turned into goo with the words, but he knew has to either get used to it or be confident and maybe, happy about it. He may not say it as he should but somehow, he knew that they were probably destined to meet, no matter the distance or circumstances. Its that once in a lifetime connection, the ones that makes you feel alive just sitting next to them, even the silence is perfect because you feel whole in their presence.

"Me too." Rukawa muttered. Sendoh, feeling all too endeared simply smiled and gently pulled the raven-haired guy to his chest and kissed his hair. Rukawa felt himself leaning a bit onto the other, inhaling the musk-scent of someone who's just taken a bath; feeling the hard and well-built chest.

"You know, its weird…"

Sendoh is sure as hell it wasn't him who said that. "Hmm?" He urged for the latter to continue, and maybe the next few sentences sent the spiky-haired captain of Ryonan laughing in amusement.

"I actually join this camp to train and be better… so that I can beat you." Rukawa stated softly, but his eyes were bright—his lips, slightly upward.

"Well, you were able to pull off one." Sendoh grinned and paused. Rukawa looked up, confused a bit as he found himself gazing onto Sendoh's equally cobalt blue eyes.

"You won my heart over, but you haven't beaten me yet." A grin.

"Conceited, doaho." Sendoh can be seen laughing in amusement as his hair was once again rummaged by a pair of pale hands belonging to one fox-eyed player.

XXX

The four Kanagawa teams gathered into the lounging area in preparation for their departure. They were just waiting for the two buses that will pick them up to the train station. From about, everyone was busy chatting and laughing with each other, sharing light-hearted moments and the whatnots. Some are taking pictures, solos and in groups. Their trip to Osaka helped them realized that in order for them to be successful, they have to build each other up; they have to motivate each other, inspire and push each other it takes determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort to reach their goals. At the end of the day, most of them didn't realize they were making memories, all they know is that they're having fun.

Sendoh yawned as he much on a piece of bread he took after they ate a quick breakfast. He was sitting on a bench where his team was and was browsing lazily on his phone. "Care for a pic with us, Sendoh?" Fujima asked as he, Maki, Hanagata, and Jin approached him. Sendoh's brows raised and nodded. "Wow, this is a powerhouse, I'm not sure if I belong." He grinned. Fujima simply chuckled and tried to raise his phone so that everyone would fit—but, his height and shorter limbs partly failed him.

"Guess we better asked someone…" Hanagata muttered and looked around—but was rather cut by an approaching redhead who was grinning for ear to ear. "He'll do." Hanagata muttered and the others can only chuckle in response.

"Nyahaha! Hello there, losers!" Sakuragi hooted.

"Since you're here…" Fujima stretched his arm and handed his phone to Sakuragi who looked at it, seemingly confused. "Take our picture." Fujima grinned and Sakuragi simply scoffed but ranted a few before doing so.

"Teme, the Tensai should be included!" Sakuragi stretched his long arms and this time all six of them can be seen included within the photo. "Oi, tag me Captain of Shoyo!" Sakuragi muttered. Fujima simply rolled his eyes. "We're not friends yet, but yeah sure. I'll add you up on social media." He grinned as the group simply continued chatting here and there.

Soon after a series of seemingly unending farewells and high-fives, the two buses arrived and the four teams can be seen loading up the buses. The left the camp they almost called home after a week and soon after found themselves standing on the platform of the train station bound for Kanagawa-ken.

Rukawa pulled his jacket close to him as the temperature dropped a bit, there were still many people around the station and since they're compose of four teams, they were all assigned on one coach. Akagi, Uozumi, Ayako, Maki, and Fujima, returned with tickets on their hands and distributed to each of them. Ayako handed one to Rukawa who simply pocketed it without a word. "And here's to Sendoh's beloved." She mused and laughed sending Rukawa rolling his eyes off.

She briefly stared at their quiet rookie and smiled warmly. "I'm really happy that you seemed happy." Rukawa looked at her senpai and wondered. "You seemed more relax these past few days. I liked that." Rukawa shook his head. "I'm not… relaxing." Ayako chuckled and playfully tapped Rukawa on the head. "I know you're focused on the IH but, at least you're not that uptight, not like before…" She paused. "Sendoh seems like a nice guy—he's patient and well… he seems loyal." She winked and Rukawa could only feel the heat up his cheeks rising, quickly averting his gaze away from his teasing senpai. "Ayako-senpai…" He can only mutter. Ayako laughed her usual and flipped her paper fan. "So it seems like we'll be seeing more of him often in practise, hm?" Rukawa said nothing. Seeing the older boy often? So like, he would come now and then to watch them practise? Rukawa doubt if he'd like that; although a part of him did change a bit, he still wants to put an emphasis and dedication to his practise… he vowed to himself that they'd won the InterHigh. Just then, it was time for them to aboard the train and just as cold as he left for Kanagawa-ken to participate in a training camp to Osaka, he found himself leaving the beautiful city with a warm and cozy feeling back.

XXX

Saturday, Kanagawa

Akito Sendoh paced the station for a few times before deciding to sit down on the bench and stare at the schedule board; yup, on time alright. And as if on cue, the shinkansen carrying his brother back from Osaka arrived. Akito stood up, a grin on his equally well-chiseled face draft under his semi-long back hair. He adjusted his thin-rimmed glasses and wait for the train to stop. Soon after, people started alighting the said train.

Akito walked towards the front coaches and was not disappointed when he saw a group of boys wearing uniforms emerged; he smiled broadly as he saw his brother's familiar blue and gold tracksuit. Akito walked casually as he spotted his taller brother talking with some teammates.

"Yo, Akira!" He shouted.

Sendoh Akira did not need to wonder who shouted his name, the voice being all too familiar. He waved goodbye to his teammates and met up with his older brother. The two Sendohs high-fived, slapped each other's back and hugged. "Hahaha, you missed me?" Akito asked. The taller Sendoh simply snorted and rolled his eyes. "What the heck are you doing here, thought you got an overtime." He grinned. Akito shrugged. "Came to fetch you, you little boy." He jokingly cooed his younger brother to which the basketball player simply slapped his hand playfully. "Who's little?"

"Did you like the Skittles?" Akito grinned. Sendoh rolled his eyes. "Nope. Disposed of them the first day, jeez man, why so many?" Akito simply laughed. "Thought you might need the sugar-rush." Akira shook his head. "They're just candies you idiot." The two Sendoh's chatted for awhile before the younger one was called by his teammates.

"Captain!"

"We're going now Sendoh!"

"See you!"

Sendoh Akira looked behind him and waved as some of his teammates started leaving with their parents, relatives, and some guardians. He momentarily saw that Team Shoyo and Kainan did so too. "So, how's your camp?" Akito started as the two started walking off towards the opposite direction. "Uh, wait up aniki." Akira pulled his older brother by the shoulder, Akito almost lost his balance. "Uh-h-hey man!"

"Where are we going?" Akira queried.

"Home of course, I brought my car with me." Akito obviously stated. Sendoh sighed and pulled his bag closer. "Uh, we can't leave yet." He said. Akito snorted. "And why not?" Sendoh sheepishly smiled and scratched his nape. "Uh… I actually want you to meet someone." Akito raised his brows and gape a bit. This is probably the first time his brother said that. He would have laughed in excitement but decided not to, but the glitter of excitement in his eyes is evident he went a little giddy. "Ohoho, what the heck is this? What's going on, man?" He elbowed his taller brother and looked around as if expecting a standing woman on one corner somewhere, too eager to meet him. But he saw none—his eyes caught some other high school students wearing purple and gold jackets and the other team—red and black. He even saw a redhead and although they seem to be almost 30 meters apart, he can actually hear the loudmouth of that certain redhead.

"Look, just wait for me here, alright. I'll be back in three minutes!" Sendoh hurriedly jog to where Shohoku and team Kainan were, leaving a slightly baffled Akito.

It was good to be back in Kanagawa. And even if the training camp only took 5 days, it felt as if he has been in Osaka for over two weeks. Rukawa sighed as he alighted the train and paused momentarily with his own team because of other paper related concerns that is in congruent with the Ministry of Education, as such, team Captain Akagi, Kogure, and Ayako were tasks to do so. As always, he was left with his usual teammates.

Rukawa briefly spotted an empty bench and sat down a bit—he knew that Ryonan and Shoyo were the first two teams to have their documents readied and check and maybe they've already left the station. He took note to see his Kogure-senpai's parents and little sister that came to fetch their calm Vice-captain, the parents of Akagi and Ayako in which he really took the time to stare—hard; wondering how the two siblings came to be; the doaho's Aunt also came, berating the power forward for being noisy and flashy; he also saw Miyagi's elder sister who seemed updated with the latest trends and fashion, Ayako's both parents came- both seemed nice, and Mitsui's father who seemed strict and formal, his senpai was barely uttering a curse; he would have laughed at his senior if he were the type.

Rukawa really took his time to look at each of them since this is probably the first time he will see his colleague's families—and he thought it was actually nice to see their families with them; that beneath the seemingly calloused fa?ade and rough personality of some of his teammates, he actually saw their softer side, especially when they're with their relatives. He absentmindedly looked at his celphone and saw that there was a message; Have you arrived, Kaede? -Chiyo

And even if his grandmother wouldn't be around to fetch him, Rukawa was glad enough to read a message coming from her beloved grandmother. Hai, obaasan. I've arrived. -Kaede

"Uh, anou… Rukawa-kun." The stoic player paused browsing as he looked to his right—Haruko Akagi. He nodded in acknowledgement as the petite and shy brown-haired girl approached her; she was rather standing at his right side. "Do you have someone with you tonight?" She courageously asked. Haruko would have backed down but since confessing her feelings to Rukawa and seeing that she may not have a chance at all, she felt a bit of relieved that somehow, the burden of having your emotions suppressed for so long has been quite lifted. Although deep inside she knew it'd probably take awhile before she can finally move on, she knew it is a good start at least. Rukawa shook his head slowly and shrugged. "I…well, my grandmother knew I've arrived already so…" He muttered softly.

Haruko felt the luckiest girl ever, this is probably the longest sentence Rukawa Kaede has ever spoken, and it was directed to her. She felt blood rushing again to his cheeks. "H-hai…that's good, Rukawa-kun. Well, I was just wondering maybe if… maybe you'd need a ride back home?" She fiddled her fingers and silently hoped.

Rukawa blinked his eyes twice before politely declining. "Thank you for the offer but… I can manage." Haruko understood, nodded simply and smiled. "Saa, that's good then Rukawa-kun. Well, I must be going… uh, see you on school on Monday?" She smiled and was granted another wish come true when the silent small forward nodded back at her. "Sure."

A few minutes more and everyone is getting ready to leave; they waved their goodbyes and high-fives, especially the trio-Mitsui, Sakuragi, and Miyagi who even introduced their relatives to one another. Akagi and Haruko went with their parents, Ayako too, Kogure, and the others. Rukawa nodded to each and one of them, in fairness, he wasn't left behind because they all actually offered him a ride to which he politely declined. There is no need to take a ride anyway, he can take a cab because his house isn't that far from the station.

Rukawa was getting ready to book a ride back home when a hand held his back alerting him. His eyes widened, not expecting to see him but was partly glad he did so. "S-Sendoh?" The aforementioned name rolled his eyes. "Are we back to being strangers again, Rukawa?" He grinned. Rukawa gape a bit and remembered; how could he forget. "Sorry. Akira." He corrected himself to which the latter simply nodded. "Why are you still here?" To be honest, Rukawa actually thought the Ryonan Team left already because they were the first team to alight and to fix their documents. "Thought you left already…" Rukawa added softly. He heard Sendoh chuckled. "Wow, you're… speaking more than one sentence, I'm gonna cry." Rukawa simply snorted and cancelled his booking.

"You thought I'm just gonna leave you here? In this cold, winter night?" Sendoh stated almost dramatically. Rukawa simply smirked a bit but said nothing. "Your team left already, saw a few of them waved at me." Rukawa nodded. "Uh, how about you… you got someone to pick you up?" Sendoh asked sincerely.

Rukawa shook his head. "No. My grandmother—she knew I've arrived. I'm actually already booking a ride." He lift his phone and Sendoh nodded. "Oh. Well, I could give you a ride home." Rukawa looked up a bit and wondered. 'Does Sendoh drive already?' He felt his chest pounding a bit, maybe just the thought of his older lover already driving sent him a feeling akin to being… proud or some sort. He thought it was actually challenging to acquire a driver's license in Japan.

"You… you drive?" Rukawa asked rather a bit dumb-like. Sendoh smiled and nodded. "Yeah, actually I already do." Rukawa simply said nothing and acknowledge the new information he got from his older lover. "That's nice." He can only mutter back. Sendoh nodded. "Yeah, its even nicer if you're with me inside the car, I guess."

Smooth. Suave. Sendoh Akira. Rukawa felt his ears flushed a bit. "Doaho." Sendoh simply chuckled as he playfully cup one side of Rukawa's cheek, making the latter gasp in surprise and friskily slapping the taller guy's hand away in embarrassment. "H-hey, I'm not gonna kiss you…well, not here…not yet." Sendoh muttered, loving the way he'd tease the younger guy. Rukawa simply twitched his lips and shrugged. "Oh wait, come with me for a while, this wont take long, I promise you." He tried to pull Rukawa but the other wont bulge. "Hey, c'mon. I just want you to meet someone." Rukawa shook his head; he was actually tired already and wanted to just go home. "I… I want to leave." He muttered.

Sendoh nodded, eyes warm and voice filled with concern. "I know, love. And I'll drive you home, I just want you to meet someone." He smiled. Rukawa blushed at Sendoh's demeanor of handling things between them—may it be his manner of addressing his affections, his touches, or the mere fact he says his name, everything seemed innate, it was almost too good to be true. Rukawa found himself following the older boy.

Akito tapped his foot impatiently as he sat on one bench, he was randomly browsing on his phone when he noticed his brother approaching him with a smile, he stood up and was surprised that Akira wasn't alone. "Aniki, I'm back, sorry it took awhile." Akito simply laughed. "Thought you went back again to Osaka." He grinned.

"Well, I just want you to meet my brother, Akito Sendoh—aniki, this is Rukawa Kaede." Sendoh stepped aside so that the two would meet. Rukawa was a bit stupefied, not quite ready that he would be meeting a family member of Sendoh. Akito stared at the slightly shorter—but taller than him lanky person who was simply looking back at him with unreadable eyes. The first word he probably mulled was, 'wow'. Akito didn't know why though. 'Must be his damn blue eyes. Is he even pure Japanese?' He found himself rather musing.

Rukawa took note of the older Sendoh—he was shorter than the two of them but still tall nonetheless, almost same height as Mitsui. He did look a lot like Sendoh, although a bit mature and of course, there's the hair—a big difference since the older is simply sporting a slick look with a few fringes in front. If there's probably a similarity, its their demeanor, the eyes as well and the smile.

Akira scratched his cheek and chuckled a bit, rolling his eyes, he re-introduced the two. "Aniki, meet Rukawa Kaede…and this is my older brother, Sendoh Akito…" Sendoh stated with matching gesture of his hands. The older Sendoh laughed and approached Rukawa, extended his hand. "I heard you Akira, tch… hey, nice to meet you."

Rukawa nodded wordlessly, inwardly cursing himself for not being too good in socializing with other people—but this person isn't particularly 'other', its his boyfriend's brother for Pete's sake. "Rukawa Kaede." He simply uttered and bowed. Akito simply grinned and wondered, he noted that his younger brother's friend is probably just shy to meet him, either that or he's the unfriendly type.

"So, you're from Ryonan as well, Rukawa-kun?" Akito muttered, used to being a conversation starter. Rukawa shook his head. Sendoh butted in, "Er, he's not my teammate bro."

Akito raised both brows. "Oh? Sou ka, I thought you're both from Ryonan. What school are you from?"

"Shohoku." Rukawa answered shortly. Sendoh would have chuckled in amusement since his younger beau seemed to be 'back' at his usual one-liners, but he knew best of course. Akito nodded. "Ah, sou ka… Shohoku High, that's nice."

Akito had many questions lined in mind but he didn't know where to start. "Well, I didn't know that my brother knew people outside Ryonan." He grinned. "Anyway, you got someone to pick you up?" Akito asked, obviously a tad bit concern since Rukawa seemed younger than his brother. The rookie player of Shohoku shook his head; surprised that he was asked the same question almost the whole night. "Oh, well, would you boys like to have dinner instead?" Akito added and chuckled.

Sendoh scoffed a bit but he nodded. "Sounds like a fine idea to me, would you join us Kaede?" Akito took note of how his brother called the latter by his name. 'Kaede?' Deep inside he wondered, but still kept his curiosity at bay. The quiet among them looked up to Sendoh then to his brother. He was being asked for dinner but—Rukawa in all honesty, wanted to decline no, but there was so much going on in his mind; a part of him wanted but the other part wanted to decline. He was rather feeling tired but it feels like he is also being compelled to go. He didn't want to seem rude.

"Its okay if you don't want to, we're not forcing you." Akito, sensing the indecisiveness of the younger one told him good-naturedly; Sendoh was a bit in disbelief and shot a look at his older brother. "No, actually we're forcing you, Kaede." He added, placing his hand on Rukawa's right arm. Rukawa's eyes widened in realization as he pulled lightly and stepped back a bit—feeling a bit uncomfortable for a moment, and somewhat embarrassed because of…certain concerns. Does Sendoh's brother knew about them? He felt as if the older Sendoh isn't aware yet.

"We can't force him if he doesn't like, otouto." Akito muttered a tad bit like an older brother would. Akito isn't dumb and was very keen on the tiny things but he didn't utter a single word about it, instead he kept his usual cool demeanor. There was a moment of silence and Rukawa knew best than to stay within that comfortable stillness, his eyes stared at nothing in particular as his mind raced onto what to say. He was about to open his mouth and politely excuse himself when his name was rather called…

The said voice seemed uncertain as well, anxious more like it. Rukawa turned slowly towards to where he heard his name and his eyes landed on a person—a particular person.

In the face of uncertainty, he stood there contemplating for a moment if it is indeed him—his son. He approached the small group slowly when he saw the lanky, raven-haired boy looking back at him with an almost unperturbed gaze. Mamoru Rukawa stopped when he was about two feet away.

Rukawa Kaede tightened the grip on his bag, his chest pounding a bit as his eyes came face to face with the person he hadn't seen in over a decade. He just knew it was him, just as the latter did so. It was true then when they say that no matter the distance, the circumstances, the parents and their children would always know each other.

"Kaede?" Mamoru muttered rather softly, uncertainty and anxiety clearly in his voice. Sendoh Akira was beyond surprised to be witnessing everything; this is something he wasn't expecting. From the look, to the stature, the hair, the eyes, it is indeed him-Rukawa Kaede's estranged father. He briefly looked at his younger beau, curious of his would-be reaction, but Kaede's mask seemed impenetrable. Sendoh was left speechless, more like he ran out of what to say, react, or do. He moved slightly and stared at the equally tall father of Rukawa—his raven-hair with a few strands of gray clearly evident of his age, his sharp black eyes under thick-rimmed glasses, the few lines in his face—but if there's a difference, it's got to be the physique—one can see the difference between his son and his somewhat old father. Still, despite it all, the old man seemed to exude that authority over Sendoh took note of how Rukawa's father dressed up—in a long black trench coat, a red neck warmer crossed and snuggled closed to his neck; he also noticed that the old Rukawa seems to be holding another black coat in one hand.

Akito sensing something a bit off, cleared his throat—turning the attention of the three to him. He coughed a bit and ran a finger thru his hair, smiled and approached the old man. "Good evening, Sir. I'm Sendoh Akito, this is my brother, Sendoh Akira and his friend…"

Sendoh Akira almost winced at his older brother's 'intrusion', he rolled his eyes off and actually wanted to kick Akito. Mamoru Rukawa looked at the taller and young man as he nodded. He readily accepted the hand. "Nice to meet you." Mamoru muttered—and smiled. This caught Sendoh off guard, surprised at how the old Rukawa can actually do such act, he was used to the adage, like father, like son. He, too, smiled when the old man turned his gaze on him.

Rukawa simply stared at his father—feels like he froze on the spot. When his old man turned his gaze at him, he saw the flash of hesitation, fear, anxiety, and even… sadness. But there was also relief and… happiness? "How are you Kaede, your grandmother told me you've arrived so… I came to pick you up." A soft smile.

XXX

The two Sendohs watched as Rukawa followed his old man in the parking lot. They saw Mamoru handed over a jacket to which his son reluctantly accepted and wore. The old man opened the door to their vehicle and Sendoh saw Rukawa placed his bag on the second row before opening the door to the front and getting on in without even throwing a look at them. He saw him put on his seatbelt and didn't lose hope when the younger lad turned to his right—their eyes met; Sendoh smiled and nodded, assuring his younger lover that its all okay-that its gonna be alright. Rukawa simply nodded back but not before rolling his eyes a bit, Sendoh found himself chuckling at the sight as he waved a hand. Soon after, the new, matador-red sub-compact vehicle backed a bit and drove away.

"Damn, I've always wanted an RX-Lexus?." Akito muttered. Sendoh snorted and shook his head. But he, too was surprised—Rukawa never told him he had a semi-luxury car at home, he would have teased his younger beau. He sighed and found himself staring up above the dark sky—and on this cold wintry night, it brought a lot back of cold air, warm fire, bright stars, and not just darker nights. It also brought back memories.

Rukawa leaned his head quietly on the right passenger window, eyes at nothing in particular—thin but consistent flurries of snowflakes falling freely up ahead as they trek the dark freeway with careful speed. His mind was in a disarray but he kept noted of his equally silent father who was driving them home.

Mamoru took note of his son, the twelve years evident; he has grown tall—taller than what he could have expected, but the most noticeable of them all was how his only son managed to be a carbon-copy of his late wife; he noticed especially his son's pair of cerulean blue eyes, such rarity in a country where it isn't typical of a Japanese.

"You've got nice friends…" He muttered softly and lowly, not really expecting an answer. Rukawa heard his father said something but said nothing in return. 'Friends?' He inwardly wondered. He briefly closed his eyes. Their vehicle came to a stop and Mamoru partly turned to stare at his only son and saw the younger one had his eyes closed. He didn't say a thing, deep inside, he had only hoped for one thing, and just like any other parent, Kaede would have outgrew his lap, but never his heart.

Meanwhile…

Akito pressed on the brake as they as well, came to a stop. He looked at his younger brother and turned. "So, who is this Rukawa Kaede?" Sendoh Akira turned to his left just to be met by the gaze of his older sibling, he tilted his head a bit. Akito was leaning on his side window, his left hand on the wheel, the right on the arm rest, a smile on his lips, eyes glinting with a hint of something the younger one is quite well aware of. Sendoh snorted a bit and stretched his long arms only to hook it behind his headrest. "He was my roommate in Osaka." Sendoh said with a smile, along with all the memories he had during the past few days.

"Roommates, huh." Akito chuckled as the light turned green. Akito pressed on the gas and soon after drove away. "He's quite a looker…I hate him." Akito muttered as he grinned. "I felt ugly than uglier standing next to him, damn." He heard his younger brother laughed. "Hahaha, you're crazy, man."

Akito snickered a bit and shook his head. "And you're fucking unbelievable, Akira. Sheesh." Akito found himself mulling over the thought that he hoped, his younger brother knew what he got himself into. Maybe he'd asked his younger brother tomorrow, or maybe not, after all sometimes there isn't anything to asked because most of the times, the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.

TBC.

*Tell me your thoughts, please? :D Thank you for sticking by! This fic is almost over. I'm so happy, hope you'd find this story memorable too.

*I had to re-read some previous chapters, its such a pain, lol. Because I forgot the name of Rukawa's father. 'Akito Sendoh' is just my own OC—he's 25, single, any takers? Haha. :D