37Chapter Two
Rukawa Kaede, Aitsu!
Three days passed and Kanagawa began to grow on her. Every morning Kyouren had breakfast with Mrs. Nitta, whom she was growing attached to. Then at around noon she went jogging, learning the bearings of her neighborhood. When she finished her jog she met up with Haruko and Ayako to watch practice. She was even beginning to talk to some of the players, although Mitsui-senpai wasn't very talkative.
Stretching from her downy bed, she stared at the ceiling listening to the chirping of the morning birds, her mind revisiting yesterdays practice.
"Anou, Mitsui-senpai, do you plan on playing in college?"
"Aa."
"Ha! If he graduates this year.." The captain Ryouta added cheekily, earning a glare from his senpai. "And if he passes a college entrance exam. Yare yare.. That's going to take a miracle!"
Further conversation was stalled, as Mitsui grabbed the shorter Captain into a headlock, repeatedly bashing his head with one fist. Kyoren smiled a the memory, letting a small chuckle escape her lips. Aahh.. Mitsui-senpai is so..
The alarm on her night stand rang out shrilly, and she thumped it hurriedly with the palm of her hand. The clock read 10:00 AM. Still plenty of time before I need to go.
"Miss Itou, its time for breakfast!"
She snapped up straight from her bed, ignoring the dizzying head rush that accompanied her sudden movement. "Hai Obaasan!" She sniffed eagerly, the smell of miso and fresh rice causing her stomach to grumble. She glanced at herself in the mirror. Her pink and green plaid pajamas were rumpled and her shoulder length hair stuck out in every direction imaginable. Grinning at her disheveled state, she ran a brush idly through her hair, threw the mess into a pony, and thumped down the stairs.
Mrs. Nitta was setting dishes on the table, and Kyoren hurried to help her. "Maa.. Obaasan, it looks delicious!"
The elderly lady slapped her hand away, as Kyoren reached for her chopsticks. "You haven't washed your hands yet, Miss Itou." she tutted gently.
In compliance, she sped upstairs to the bathroom, throwing the doors wide open in anticipation of the food. Pickled radish, plums, miso, rice, and a bit of fish. In her hurry to wash her hands she didn't notice her surroundings. Just as she was flicking water off her fingers, the gentle sound of wind passing through nostrils caught her attention. She turned her head slowly, the hair on the back of her neck starting to rise..
On the floor of the bathroom a long, tangled form was.. sleeping? She screamed piercingly, almost tripping over the figures legs.
"OBAASAN! OBAASAN! It's a ROBBER!"
Mrs. Nitta, worriedly tramped her way up the stairs. Kyouren had slammed the bathroom door shut, pressing her small frame fully against it.
"Obaasan call the police! I've trapped him!"
"Demo- Miss Itou.." Tge open door behind Kyouren's head caught her attention. It was swung partly open, propped up by a familiar red gym bag.. "Ah.. Rukawa-kun!"
"Rukawa..kun?" The boys room was open. It was always shut tightly, usually making her itch with curiosity. She let Mrs. Nitta push her gently aside and open the bathroom door. The old lady bent over the floor, wringing her apron in worry.
"Rukawa-kun! D-daijobu ka Rukawa-kun?" Mrs. Nitta shook the boys shoulders softly. The soft snores stopped promptly. Kyouren realized she was holding her breath. The mop of black hair slowly turned, showing a pale face, of surprisingly handsome proportions. His eyes opened into an icy blue glare. He swept his gaze over the room once, his head never turning, then he picked himself casually off the floor. He regarded her with a cursory glance before turning to the hovering Mrs. Nitta, who stood almost two feet below him.
"..Daijobu ka, Rukawa-kun?" The lady repeated.
"Aa. Sumimasen Obaasan."
"When did you get in Rukawa-kun? Did you have breakfast yet?"
"This morning Obaasan. I'm not hungry."
Kyouren mentally reprimanded herself. Why hadn't she taken a shower, or at least changed out of her pajamas? Not that Rukawa looked particularly well groomed himself. His hair was a mess, his clothing crumpled. He was still wearing a red track jacket and black track pants. So much for first impressions.
"Rukawa-kun, your father requested you call when you get in."
"Hai.. I will when I get up."
Kyouren watched the figure retreat to his room, without so much as a backward glance.
"Matte Rukawa-kun!" She flinched when he turned his head slightly, his gaze sleepy, yet expectant. "I'm Itou Kyoren.." She stepped forward, offering a hand towards him. He glanced at her outstretched hand before turning away.
"I know." He replied over his shoulder, firmly shutting the door.
She stared at the firmly shut door, willing her eyes to bore holes through it. How DARE he? How RUDE.
"Miss Itou, breakfast is getting cold." Mrs. Nitta was watching her with a bemused expression on her face. She remembered the utter chaos she had thrown the morning in, her cheeks burning in embarrassment. Why did I have to make a fool of myself.. Especially in front of that.. that.. Aitsu.
"Hai Obaasan." she muttered, slumping down the stairs. She did full justice to her breakfast, throwing murderous glances up the stairs. So that's what Ayako-san meant.. Although, I don't understand why Haruko-chan is so taken with that guy. He's kinda handsome. She admitted that begrudgingly. But if he wasn't such an creep he would have seemed a whole lot more handsome, she added with zest.
After breakfast she took a quick shower, dried out her hair, and changed into her jogging clothes. While exiting the bathroom she glanced at Rukawa's bedroom, the sound of light snoring still emanating from it. It's twelve-thirty all ready. What a lazy bum.
She stretched her arms and legs as she made her way outdoors, noticing a red bicycle leaning against the wall. She scowled at it, tempted to kick it over, but relaxed her foot just in time. She hadn't exactly welcomed Rukawa in the friendliest way, and that could at least partly excuse his rudeness this morning. Shrugging off her irritation she started her jog out around the corner, breathing in the soft, sun-kissed breeze.
Forty minutes later she stopped to take a breather, opening the water bottle on her side and taking a swig. Panting slightly she took a quick glance around to get her bearings. She was ten minutes from Shohoku High school, near the corner of the shopping district of Kanagawa. The sun was burning incredibly hot in the sky, and water wasn't doing her much good.
"Konnichiwa, Ren-chan!"
Haruko walked happily up to her, dressed in a white tank top and red track pants. She was panting slightly, resting her arms on her bent knees.
"Haruko-chan! Are you out exercising too?" she asked, glad to have company.
"Hai! Anou.. Ren-chan.. Is Rukawa-kun back from camp?"
Haruko noticed the dark scowl on her friends face, as she answered hastily, "Hai hai. He came back this morning." She was flushing slightly too, although not in a flattering way. "Haruko-chan, would you like to go for some ice-cream? I feel like I'm melting.." Kyouren said, while stretching the neck of her t-shirt, which clung to her shoulders.
The two girls made their way into a corner ice cream and soda parlor. They both ordered a chocolate sundae, relaxing in the soothing, air-conditioned room. Haruko glanced at her wrist-watch, remarking, "It's only 1:30. We have thirty minutes until practice."
Kyouren nodded, imagining Mitsui's lean form jumping to take a three-point shot. "Its invigorating watching so many talented players." she lied between her teeth, since she was anticipating one particular player.
Haruko's gaze was equally dreamy. "Today will be especially amazing, since Rukawa-kun is back."
"N-nani? That aitsu is on the basketball team?" Kyoren clapped a hand over her mouth, realizing her slip. Haruko was giving her a disapproving glance.
"Ren-chan.. Rukawa-kun may be.. quiet.. but.. he's Shohoku's ace player. Maybe even Kanagawa's best." Haruko's voice was almost a whisper, her head lowered, hiding the creeping blush forming on her cheeks.
Kyouren shook her head in disbelief. "Shohoku has many good players. I doubt that ai.. Rukawa-kun is the best. I mean Mitsui.." She caught the curious glance Haruko gave her, and quickly added, "And Miyagi.. They're amazing. Besides, Rukawa is only a sophomore."
"You'll see." Haruko replied, her blue eyes sparkling.
The two girls walked towards Shohoku. She noticed the same red bicycle propped against the metal bike racks, causing a scowl to form up on her face. You only just met him, relax. She let the scowl drop from her features, letting herself be led to the gymnasium, where the sound of squeaking shoes against the floor greeted their ears.
It was still a few minutes early, so only a few freshmen had arrived, and were sweeping the gym floors for the upcoming practice. But one figure stood dribbling off to the side- Rukawa Kaede. Her lips twitched uncomfortably, as she watched Haruko float towards the benches to observe him. She placed herself by her friend, eyes narrowing as she watched the lithe form dribble, shoot, and lay up the ball repeatedly. He has good form. She admitted, admiring his athleticism.
Rukawa made a jump shot, promptly caught the ball under the net. Dribbling meditatively, he stepped out from the paint line and flew. Kyouren's eyes widened, as she watched him dunk the ball in casually with a single hand. Haruko was practically sagging from admiration by her side. So he's very good. So what.
"Oi, Rukawa you're back!"
Captain Miyagi, Mitsui, and Ayako had just walked inside. Miyagi was patting the juniors back, and even Mitsui gave him a pat on the head before unzipping his track jacket. Rukawa took the attention indifferently.
"How was the all-Japan league? I hope you learned some new tricks." Miyagi grinned, slipping the ball out of Rukawa's hands.
"Use." Rukawa grunted, a hint of challenge sparkling in his blue eyes.
Ayako tapped her fan fondly against Rukawa's back. "Shohoku's ace.. it's time to see what you've learned at camp." She was smiling brilliantly, to Kyouren's surprise his lips twitched slightly in acknowledgment.
"Aa, Senpai."
After Miyagi led the team through a few warmups, the court exploded onto a full five-on-five game. Miyagi and Mitsui were on one team, and Rukawa, along with two seniors named Yasuda and Kakuta were on another. The game ended with Miyagi and Mistui's team winning of course- but Rukawa made quite an effort, with the seniors barely being able to cover him. He was a one-man team, even in Kyouren's spiteful eyes his talent was undeniable. Defense, offense, shooting, court vision, he seemed to be on top of it all.
Ayako and Miyagi seemed well pleased with his performance, not to mention Haruko who was almost drooling a puddle on the floor. Kyouren nudged her friend, who had more than once erupted into a shout of "Ike Rukawa-kun!", though the named youth didn't seem to break his concentration to acknowledge her. It wasn't that Kyouren wasn't impressed. If anything, she felt more irritated because she was impressed. It's easier to forgive a dumb brute.
"Nice game Rukawa-kun. You've already improved since the Inter-high games." Ayako smiled, handing him a water bottle and a chilled towel. Ayako noticed Kyouren scowling from behind Rukawa's tall figure. She nodded towards Kyouren smiling. "You've met Ren-chan no doubt?" Rukawa tossed her a sideways glance, barely acknowledging she was sitting there. "Hai." He said nonchalantly, striding off to the locker rooms.
"Aitsuuuu.." Kyoren growled, the blood rushing to her temples.
"Aitsu?" Miyagi asked, patting his forehead with the chilled towel. He glanced at the infuriated Kyouren, a little surprised someone so small could look so ferocious. "Oi.. what's wrong with you?"
"Ryouta-senpai.. Is he always that.. that.. arrogant?" Kyouren spat, her eyes blazing as she addressed her slightly intimidated senior.
"Ah.. Rukawa. Relax Kyouren-san. He's not trying to offend."
"Demo senpai-"
"He's right. Rukawa has always been like that. No need to be offended." Mitsui added, taking a long swig of pocari sweat.
Kyouren was delighted Mitsui was standing an arms length away from her. She could see the ripple of this throat as he downed his drink. But that aitsu's rudeness was still getting to her.
"Rukaawaa.." She growled.
Miyagi and Mitsui looked at each other, blinking. A single thought crossed their minds for a split moment. Why did this petite girl remind them of one hot blooded, red-haired, self-proclaimed tensai..?
"Anou Mistui-senpai.." Mitsui almost choked on his drink, the girl moved so quickly. She was standing directly below him, smiling in that disarming way, no trace of anger on her face. Girls are scary. He thought, as he paused momentarily from his drink. "You could beat Rukawa one on one, couldn't you?"
"Of course." Mitsui replied, downing the last of his drink. Ryouta tapped him on the shoulder suddenly, causing him to really choke. "Nande, Ryouta?" He growled, wiping the excess from his mouth.
"Aren't you forgetting last year, Micchy?" He asked cheekily, dodging a punch to the shoulder for the insolent nick-name.
"I beat him 3-2."
"You cheated."
"A three-pointer counts."
"You stepped on the line."
"I didn't step on the line."
"Did."
"Didn't."
"Did."
"Didn't."
Ayako's fan came smashing down on Ryouta's head, causing the Captain to whine in pain. "Aya-chan!" he almost burst into tears. "Baka.. Stop arguing and get to the locker room!" She commanded, pointing to the door. With a face like a wounded puppy, Miyagi picked up his towel and walked off, giving Ayako meaningful glances. Mitsui soon followed, the can of pocari sweat crushed in one hand.
Kyouren burst out into peals of unbridled laughter, earned a light tap of the fan from Ayako.
"Sumimasen.. Senpai." Kyoren apologized, looking at her senpai curiously, wondering how she had offended her.
"It maybe funny to you, Ren-chan," Ayako spoke softly. "But Shohoku's team spirit is important. Pitting the players against each other is a bad idea.." She looked at Mitsui's retreating figure. "Mitsui-senpai is incredibly proud. I'd hate to see him and Rukawa come to bad terms.. especially since.."
Kyouren looked at Ayako, who had let her words trail off. "Masaka! Are you suggesting Rukawa could beat Mitsui-senpai one on one?"
"Rukawa-kun has amazing potential. Its like everyday he's steadily improving." Ayako smiled, reminded of another sophomore with limitless potential. Sakuragi Hanamichi, I hope you'll be back..
"Hmph. I don't think so. Mitsui-senpai is an amazing player. And what's more, he doesn't think so highly of himself, that he'll refuse to shake hands with people or talk to them."
Ayako and Haruko nudged each other meaningfully, watching as Kyouren's eyes misted over and she was day dreaming. "You do know Mitsui used to be a gangster.. Right Ren-chan?" Ayako asked, innocently.
Kyouren snapped to her senses, indignant. "What does the past matter! He's cleaned up his act aand.." She watched as Haruko covered her mouth, giggling, and Ayako was looking smugly at her. "and.. all delinquents can change! I mean look at Ryouta-san.." she added, fighting the tremendous blush coming to her cheeks.
The clatter of shoes on the gym floor saved her from further embarrassment. The players emerged from the locker rooms, waving at the girls as they left.
"Ja ne Ayako-san. Haruko-san." Rukawa called briefly, his gym bag over his shoulder, and was walking out the gym door, water still clinging to his face and hair.
"Sayonara Rukawa-kun, see you tomorrow." Ayako called, while Haruko blushed profusely and waved her hand at his retreating back.
"I can't believe that Aitsu! He knows MY name.. We LIVE in the same house.. Wouldn't it be the polite thing to offer to walk me home?" Kyouren growled, so furious, she thought steam would come out of her ears. Without waiting for a reply from her friends, Kyouren sped off, determined to make Rukawa acknowledge and respect her, or box him a good one between the ears.
"Hey.. Rukawa-kun, matte!" she called, dashing off.
Ayako and Haruko stood perplexed, watching their hot-blooded friend speed off. "My.. she certainly can run, ne, Haruko-chan?" But Haruko had that familiar look in her eyes, lost in her own daydreams. Ayako sighed. Girls were such fools.
"Matte! Hey can't you hear me?"
Rukawa glanced behind him, mildly annoyed. That little girl was following him, glaring daggers from her eyes. He shrugged to himself, walking up to his bicycle. His father had informed him before he went to camp, that a daughter of an important business associate would be staying with them. He didn't like his father's friends, and he didn't care for his father's business. So why should he care for this.. He glanced back over at her, she was waving her arms and saying something. She was small, slightly shorter than Ayako-senpai. She had straight, long black hair, she was wearing sporty clothes. She could have been quite pretty, if she wasn't yelling at him with that hideous scowl. But not the prettiest. Rukawa was used to gorgeous women clinging all over him. This one just happened to be yelling.
"Hey.. are you LISTENING to me?"
"Iie." He mounted his bicycle, taking his walkman out of his pants pockets, and putting on each earplug.
"..it's not nice to..." He blocked out the rest by blasting his walkman. She looked about done, her cheeks flushed from her own anger. Her mouth wasn't moving anymore, so he decided to inform her, "I'm going to ride my bicycle. dewa mata," before speeding off.
"OI, AITSU!"
He thought he heard a shout, but he ignored it as he started pedaling towards the outdoor court near his house. He liked to practice on his own, although it wasn't much of a challenge playing by himself. As he pedaled his eyes began to droop, feeling heavier by the minute. Soon he was nodding off, oblivious of the furious girl giving chase behind him.
"RUKAWAA!"