I said it was going to be short.. But it didn't work out that way. :)

Dollarbanks: I know it was a bit fast.. :) But I promise I'll get address plot holes in the sequel!

Mizz Bloom: Thanks for your continual support of this fic. You really encouraged me to keep trying. :)

Ayenes: I'm glad you enjoyed it, you flatter me! I will try to get to relationships in the sequel.. Though It won't be easy..

TheNewKid: I've always wanted to show Sakuragi's softer more emotional side.. I hope it wasn't too OOC. It might have been. :O

LetItBDeWayItis: I want to have Rukawa and Kyouren be a couple. But I'm still working out how it will pan out.. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Epilogue

"Suzuki Hikaru."

"Hai!"

"Sato Nobuo."

"Hai!"

There was a long pause. Kyouren kept her eyes focused on her notebook, the light blue lines blurring in her vision. From her periphery she saw her sensei looking down at the role sheet in quiet puzzlement.

The room creaked with the movement of chairs, as students murmured in inquisition. Never had the terse morning body count ever been delayed so long. Kyouren swallowed the lump forming in her throat. Something was bouncing against the pit of her stomach and her heart thumped loudly against her chest. She inhaled sharply in anticipation.

"...Sakuragi Kyouren."

"Hai."

Her heart rate began to slow, the dull thudding in her ears fading to the buzz of chatter in the classroom. Faintly, she heard her sensei bark for silence as he finished the role call. Soon he started the morning lesson, and the room was silent.

Haruko turned to aim her a sympathizing smile, and she felt the corners of her mouth twitching upwards in response. The worst was over.

The day wasn't nearly as bad as she suspected. Everyone was exceedingly cautious about questioning her– especially since the gundan, Haruko, Matsui and Fuji kept her company, and she suspected, discreetly warned the other students from being too inquisitive.

Sakuragi's peers weren't so lucky. Especially those who responded with surprise at the news.

"Nani! How could twins look nothing like each other?" A loud-mouthed sophomore whispered too loudly in the hallway.

"That's cause you don't know them," Noma explained to his class mate. "She's as foul-tempered as her– "

Noma was silenced with the metallic clang of Kyouren's bento box, almost in unison with the sickening crunch of Hanamichi's forehead making contact with the sophomore's face. It was at that moment, while she was grinning in unabashed camaraderie at Hanamichi, when her twin, instead of grinning back in victory, flushed scarlet and stalked off. Something was definitely wrong.

It was only yesterday they were reunited, but yesterdays events had convinced her they shared a bond that overcame distance and time. She could still feel his crushing embrace, her head lodged in his abdomen, how she was too relived and joyful to feel uncomfortable, as if she belonged in that very spot.

Then she realized, something in Hanamichi had changed. At lunch he seldom held her gaze for more than a few seconds, and was far too quiet. While they discussed basketball, he stared off into space, his expression serious. Even Haruko couldn't break him from his reverie right away.

As she walked towards the gym, the same path as yesterday, she felt the an icy stab of apprehension. Supposing Hanamichi regretted what had happened yesterday, the false sense of security and bliss would be swept away like the dead leaves that rattled on the ground.

She wondered briefly if he would tell her to go home. That he wanted to take it back. He didn't need a sister. She kicked a stray pebble into the lawn, stubbing her toe in the process.

Practice had already started. She leaned on the doorjamb, half inside the gym and half outside, the wind billowing her skirt as she observed the scene.

Captain Miyagi was leading the team in their jog around the court. Naturally Sakuragi was at the lead, followed by the Captain, Mitsui, and the rest of the team. Rukawa brought up the rear, as usual.

"Pick it up!" Miyagi roared, leading the team into a head long sprint. Kyouren averted her eyes as the team sprinted by the door, only looking up when the last of them passed by, catching the dark blue of Hanamichi's jersey. She bit her lip.

"Hanamichi seems different today, ne Kyo-chan?"

Yohei's casual voice her from her thoughts, as she turned to face the dark haired sophomore. He was standing alone, a truly rare occasion, since the rest of the gundan seemed to trail him like their shadow.

"Hmm," She mumbled, not willing to agree to the statement. It irritated her that Yohei affirmed her worries. She resumed watching practice. The team was screening and shooting, and Mitsui-senpai was waving his long arms...

"He's worried."

It took her a minute for the words to register, and slowly she turned to face Yohei, an eyebrow raised in inquiry. "Worried? What for?"

"Because of you," He spoke calmly, his eyes scanning the gym. "I've known Hanamichi for a long time Kyo-chan.. Since before his.. Your dad died. He's not a bad guy.. But he's not been the conventional student."

"I don't care about that. He's my brother, and I'm proud of him." She folded her arms, her back straightening.

Yohei smiled as she scowled, shaking his head softly. "I know you don't. But I know he's embarrassed around you."

She let her arms slip down, a hand slowly tracing the fringe of her skirt. "Why?"

"He's afraid you might be disappointed in him. Hanamichi.. He's only ever lived for himself. Not even for his father. He was a gangster, he didn't care about school.. He didn't even care about the future.. But now there's you.." Yohei trailed off, studying Kyouren's downcast face carefully.

"Me.. What about me?" She asked aloud, both moved and embarrassed by the idea.

Yohei shrugged uncomfortably, laughing off the melodramatic nature of the conversation. "Well he's the big brother, want's to take care of you I suppose."

"How do you know he's the older one?" Kyouren shot back.

"Er.. I guess I don't," He smiled. "Do you know?"

"No," she admitted, smiling. "But we'll see won't we?"

OoOOoOooOooOo

Practice ended at the same time it always did– but for some reason, none of the Shohoku starters were in a hurry to head home. Rukawa as usual, stayed behind for his solo practice, but Mitsui and the Captain seemed to linger. Haruko was sorting through balls, and polishing them. It was odd– since the manageress wasn't expected to take care of that particular chore, which was reserved for the freshmen.

Kyouren rasied her eyebrow in query, when Haruko glanced at Miyagi the fifth time in twenty minutes before turning away rapidly and rubbing down a ball. Kyouren was waiting for Hanamichi to finish his basketball drill, which Ayako was running through wit him. After her conversation with Yohei, she was hoping to make it clear to him that she was proud of him.

"Aya-chan.."

The feeble voice of the Captain, ironically, caused all motion in the gymnasium to cease. Mitsui clenched a ball between his hands, peering behind him. Sakuragi stopped his dribbling, Haruko, standing near Sakuragi forgot to urge him to practice, and even Rukawa stood stock still, briefly stretching the collar of his shirt to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

Ayako blinked in confusion at the Captain, a basketball held carefully in one hand. "Nani yo Ryouta?" She asked impatiently, when Miyagi simply stood before her.

"Er.." Miyagi glanced casually around the gym, and magically the players became animated again. Rukawa dribbled the ball contemplatively, blue eyes locking on the basket. Sakuragi resumed his drills, and Mitsui let fly a shot– that missed, but Miyagi was too nervous to notice. "Can I talk to you outside?"

"Why, just say it here." Ayako snapped, slapping her fan at Sakuragi's head, when he dropped the ball.

"O-o-kay." The captain, bent down on one knee, in a swift, desperate motion.

Ayako pursed her lips in surprise, as Miyagi Ryouta, still sweating profusely in his damp yellow shirt, began to stutter out a familiar sonnet. Probably Shakespeare.

Mitsui and Sakuragi were on the floor at this time, pounding the maple wood with their fists, howling. Kyouren cringed, while Haruko reddened. Ayako shook her head in wonder, after two years he still wasn't giving up.. "Ryouta– "

"Aya-chan.. This is our last year." Miyagi pleaded, ignoring the howling laughs erupting behind him. "Even if you say no, I had to try. I really like you.. Please go out with me." He rubbed his hair in frustration, angry that he couldn't put his words in a more flattering arrangement.

Ayako opened her mouth hastily, as if on reflex, to gently decline his offer– but stopped herself. This is our last year.

She observed him quietly, watching his focused brown eyes. He wasn't stuttering anymore, a look of firm resolve etched on his serious face. The heavy words rang in her mind, as she glanced briefly around the gym, and the inhabitants inside. He was right of course. In a few months, the two of them would be busy studying for their entrance exams. It was the last time she would be involved in this basketball team, this school, possibly even these people. "Ryouta.. Get up."

Miyagi stood slowly, trying to fight the flickering emotions of fear and sadness on his face. Tomorrow, he'd wake up embarrassed, but right at this moment, he felt himself locking up, bracing for the crushing blow of rejection–

"I accept."

Her words were simple, but Ryouta had trouble understanding. He stood there blinking, while Ayako did the impossible.

She blushed.

"Oi Ryou-chin congratulations!" Sakuragi roared.

Only Kyouren noticed the faint glimmer of a tear in the tensai's eyes, as he ran over to bear hug his team Captain and good friend, though the Captain had frozen in complete and utter shock.

Kyouren began to laugh, as she congratulated the blushing Ayako. Amidst the teasing and the banter, Kyouren finally met Hanamichi's eyes.

He smiled.

OoooOoOoOoOo

Apparently, Hanamichi had let slip Ryouta's d-day plans to Mitsui and Haruko. Now that Miyagi's debut had commenced, one by one the players headed home, Ayako accompanied by an eager Miyagi.

The gym was silent, save for Hanamichi, Kyouren, and Rukawa, the latter still at it, far across the other end of the court. Kyouren and Sakuragi sat, leaned against the back wall of the gym, staring up at the looming basket above them. The silence was comfortable, Kyouren listened to her twins heavy breathing, as he took a long drink from his bottle. The gym echoed the dribbles and slams from Rukawa's end of the court. Hanamichi was observing his rival quietly, but without the usual competitive spark. He looked content, a strange little smile on his face.

"Miyagi-san.. He looked happy." Kyouren remarked, half expecting no reply.

"Aa," Hanamichi grunted, wiping the corner of his mouth.

"He deserves it."

"Hm."

Kyouren watched lazily, as Rukawa's lithe form reached behind for a backwards dunk. He fell to the floor lightly, his hands immediately on the ball, dribbling again. "He never quits," She muttered, half to herself.

"No he doesn't." Sakuragi admitted quietly, surprising her.

She faced her brother opening her mouth to question, when she caught the look in his face, and decided against it. Sakuragi would never openly admit to admiring Rukawa. But somehow, she knew he acknowledged him.

"He's been kind to you?" Sakuragi asked casually, his large hand gripping the plastic water bottle.

"He has," She replied, a little surprised her twin was asking about Rukawa. "He's not so bad, once you get used to him.."

"Good, then I won't have to compromise the team by sending him to the hospital." Sakuragi muttered, releasing his grip on the pulverized bottle.

Kyouren snorted to mask her pleasure. "You and what army?" She challenged. "He's as solid as a rock. I've seen him fly off a bicycle and hit a lamp post. He got up without a bruise."

"Well you've never seen the tensai in action. I could– " He stopped suddenly, his face reddening.

"Could you?" She asked, poking him teasingly in the side. Hanamichi squirmed, uncomfortable. "What's the matter?"

"..Nothing."

"Hanamichi.. I know all about you and your gangster days," She admitted. "I did my research," She joked, tapping her head.

"I was afraid of that."

"I don't care about what happened back then. I see you now.. And I.." She looked down at her feet for inspiration. She hoped she only had to say this out loud once. It sounded so cheesy. "I'm glad you're my brother."

She could feel Hanamichi's eyes on her, but she kept her gaze to the floor. After a fit of nervous coughing on Hanamichi's part, she lifted her head and sneaked a glance to her brother. He was looking the other way, his cheeks visibly red. She smiled. "I was thinking I could come over this weekend."

Hanamichi turned to her in question. "Why?"

"Your house is a complete stye, " She groaned aloud. "I'm going to clean it."

Sakuragi chuckled, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Naah.. You don't need to do that. I was going to do it this week."

"Really? What brought on this miracle?" She asked skeptically.

"Well.. Cause it's not just my house," Hanamichi muttered.

"Eh?"

"You're going to live there too," Hanamichi exclaimed in exasperation.

"Live at your house?" Kyouren repeated dumbly.

"Our house, baka." Sakuragi muttered, then blanched as if something just occurred to him. "You're not telling me you want to live with that wily kitsune?"

When Kyouren blushed, Hanamichi aimed a murderous glare at Rukawa, standing suddenly.

"Wait.. No.. That's not what I meant," Kyouren amended, tugging at Hanamichi's long arms. "It's just a surprise, that's all," she repeated until he squatted back down.

"Good," he repeated gruffly, aiming one last heated glare at Rukawa.

OooOooOooOoOooOo

It was suddenly Saturday. Kyouren woke one last time on her plush, flowery bed, and peered at the sunlight for the last time beyond the flower print curtains. Sakuragi's house didn't accommodate beds or desks. The rooms were small, meant for futons and sitting level furniture. Her gaze fell on the card board boxes surrounding her, and she smiled. She felt like she was going home, instead of leaving it.

The hour was early, but she decided to get to a fast start. Nitta-san had been saddened by the news she was moving out, and she decided it would be best if she moved her things before the elderly woman woke up.

It only took her two trips to get her meager possessions down the stairs, but she stalled momentarily, peering up the dark stairway, glancing at the living room, dining room, the warm kitchen, and Nitta-san's little room by the kitchen, where her soft snores emanated. She vowed to visit the elderly housekeeper as much as she could, and feeling better about herself, opened the door.

Rukawa blinked sleepily at her, one hand outstretched to open the door from the other side. Kyouren observed him in mild surprise. He was wearing a practice jersey, a basketball in his other hand. He rarely woke up so early to practice, no wonder, the boys eyelids were drooping even as he stood.

"Hi," she mumbled, her mind blank with surprise.

He stepped inside with a grunt of acknowledgment, glancing at her boxes in slight question.

"I thought I'd get an early start," she offered, shrugging awkwardly. He was still standing there, observing her thorough half closed lids. Sighing, she picked up a box and shoved her way halfway out the door, when out of the blue–

"Need a hand?"

She blinked, turning around. He lifted a box off the top of hers when she said nothing, and walked past her. "Sure," she muttered.

They walked slowly together in semi-companionable silence. He took the lead, and Kyouren suspected he was on auto-pilot, his eyes were probably closed. Rukawa Kaede– he was still very much an acquaintance rather than a friend, even though they had lived in the same house for so long.

Sure, she knew he had been orphaned. And he was the first to know about Hanamichi being her brother. She had glimpsed him getting angry, perhaps sad, and even showing sympathy.. She knew his adoptive father wasn't exactly the supportive type– she had never seen him in her four months at the Rukawa residence. She knew basketball was his life, she snorted to herself– you had to be deaf, blind, and dumb not to realize that– but there was more to his passion about the sport that what was on the surface. That was exactly what Rukawa was– a still, yet murky pond. There was no way to figure out what lay beneath that still exterior, unless you reached in and stirred things around.

She was startled by the realization, that she knew about Rukawa's personal life more than anyone else. She didn't quite know how to feel about that, but that she felt a kind of obligation. She wasn't sure why.

It didn't help that he had helped her in her most critical situations, when she had no one to turn to. She realized she was thankful that Rukawa had found out about her connection to Hanamichi. He had in his quiet, almost accidental way, consoled her, advised, her, and helped her.. Without him, she might not have been heading towards Sakuragi's house today.

Her mind swimming with these thoughts, she almost droped her box on her foot when she realized they were standing before Sakuragi's house. Rukawa stood stock still, and she confirmed that his eyes were indeed shut, as he dropped her box unceremoniously to the ground.

"Hey," She scowled. He merely lifted one eyelid, then closed it.

"Sayonara," he mumbled.

For some reason, that simple goodbye sprung a pang of regret. "Rukawa-kun," She shouted, flinching when he paused. He turned towards her, his eyes still half closed.

"Nande?" He muttered, yawning into the air.

She did what seemed natural for her. In two strides, she stepped up to him, standing on her tiptoes. The movement was so quick, Rukawa in his sleepy stupor couldn't react in time, though his eyes widened significantly. She planted her lips softly against his cheek, and stepped away.

"Thanks."

She didn't wait for the blush to form on her cheeks, instead she collected her box and headed towards the house– her house.. The Sakuragi house.

ooOoOooOoOooOoOO

There were many ideas I failed to develop in this story. Namely, a romance between Kyouren and Rukawa, but it was just too hard to tackle at this point, because it didn't seem fair to make Rukawa fall head over heels in love with a girl who suddenly turns up in his house. Also I wanted to explore the Sakuragi and Haruko relationship, as well as Ayako and Miyagi, which I merely glossed over.. And although I am a fan of Mitsui, he took a very minor role in this fic..

Still, I am happy to have gotten this far. I have established the meeting of Kyouren with Shohoku, and Hanamichi, hopefully in a convincing way, and I've written about basketball without getting too tripped up. :)

I know I am still a newbie writer, but I will continue writing, and I thank all those who took the time to read as well as review my little story. I am planning a sequel for this storyline, and I'll try my best to improve my writing..

Again, thank you all for reading!