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Kanagawa’s peaceful afternoon turned inky with minutes passing by. Droplets are getting heavier and thicker. People are sprinting for shelter, taking shades wherever… including the known ace of the Ryonan High School Basketball team.
“Oh geez.” he cursed, conquering the danger of the heavy downpour. His leather bag on top of his well gel-ed hair, trying to at least cover a portion of his head from the rain. “Come on.” he complains, eyes roaming around looking for a shelter with lesser people until a small bookshop was caught by his ocean eyes. Luckily, it has an extended canopy, lengthy enough for his wide build. And most importantly, it’s closed!
Once he was partly sheltered, he stroked his hair with his fingers to shake the droplets off of his hair. He took off his school jacket and shook it out. Good thing, his undershirt is less dampened. But the more concerning part… is his shoes! His favorite black converse shoes are drenched inside and out! “Fudge,” he swore. Like every other shoe, it'll be troublesome if not dried immediately especially if still worn. It could either stink, or his feet will stink!
His worries were interrupted when the heavy downpour turned even more alarming! The droplets sound like it’s going to pierce through the canopy. “Oh man! When will this end?” he muttered. He extended his palm and allowed the thick drops to fall onto his hand. “Are you mad or something?”
The alley turned darker and darker. People are running to and from. Stores are closing earlier than usual. Street lights are bickering as if affected by the little lightning the downpour gives.
“What’s with the weather today?” he asked away. He brought out his phone from his pant’s pocket to check the forecast today. A thing he should’ve done before deciding not to leave with his team and stay in Kanagawa after their practice match with Shohoku’s High school basketball team. A decision he regretted. A decision that badly broke his phone’s screen.
He felt saddened.
Anyhow, the phone is still functional as he checks. The only problem is… the battery is drained! “Aah. Dammit.” he exclaimed. Obviously, the phone is worthless in this time of sorrow so he shoved it back, but this time, inside his bag.
Losing hope due to this unfortunate night, he decided to close his eyes and leaned his head back on the bookstore's glass wall. Nothing he can do but just pray for this storm to pass soon.
Why does he have to be this stubborn and follow this troublesome heart? Sigh. If he should just stick to his gut feeling, he should have been resting by now at his home and sleeping comfortably.
Few noises on the streets casually opened his orbs. He allowed himself to watch the street where passersby are running for their lives… until a certain object was caught by his eyes. A blue bicycle parked outside the street, and left alone under this terrible weather.
Sympathy is what he felt on the lifeless vehicle. Probably due to the similar situation they both have–being alone in this cold afternoon. Because of this overflowing sympathy, he endured the insufferable drops and pulled the bicycle towards the bookshop with him. He parked it beside him under the same shelter. To prevent it from falling, even when the bike stand is capable of doing its job, he still held onto its handlebar. The owner might mistook this deed as ‘stealing’ but all goes well when explained well , right? Unless the owner is too narrow-minded.
He scanned the bicycle. The owner is probably a male judging from the height of the seat and its manly color. “Lucky you, I’m here for you…” he paused to look for a name he can use to call the lifeless object. “... Miyata.”
A chuckle came out of him, after doing the honor of naming the bicycle. He couldn’t believe this newly found craziness. This could be the feeling of the protagonist of the movie ‘Castaway’, where the main character named the volleyball by its brand then treating it as a human to escape loneliness. Well, strange yeah… but whatever, he’s alone anyway. No one will judge this side of him.
He turned his head up and looked at the dark sky. A deep sigh, “I should’ve gone home when I had the chance, Miyata.” he mumbled. “I was hopeful this morning. I truly am. But… we can’t always get what we want, right?” He turned his attention back to the bicycle and patted its handle bar, “In any case, as long as we’re breathing… everything’s going to be fine, right?” A smile turning into a chuckle. “You can’t breathe though,” he joked.
Time passed by very slowly, yet the rain remained terrible. His body is starting to shiver. The coldness of the rainy night is slowly creeping its way into his body. This is bad. He can’t get sick if the winter tournament is fast approaching. Coach Taoka, his teammates and his school are all relying on him. But what can he do?
Strange noises of metal clanking and footsteps were heard coming from his left. He took a peak and realized that there’s a door next to the bookstore he’s standing at.
‘This must be the owner of the bicycle.’ he thought, knowing the bicycle was parked in front of the gate.
The gate opens and a man wearing a transparent raincoat with a peculiar height steps outside. His jaw dropped after he figured out who the person was. And as soon as their eyes met, the name of the person was uttered without the need to dig further into his memory. “Rukawa?”
The said person turned to him blankly.
“You… you live here?” Sendoh asked, sounding overly surprised.
The man didn’t respond but his stares landed at the bicycle being held by him. The stares abruptly turned to Sendoh, with the brows meeting in between. The suspicious look was immediately realized by Sendoh so he quickly explains it before this stranger calls him a thief! “Oh. Are you the owner of this bicycle?” he asked. He scratched the back of his head and laughed sheepishly, “I’m not stealing it if that’s what you have in mind. I just thought of parking it under a shade.”
Luckily, the suspicious stares abated.
“Don’t worry, I’ll put it back once the rain subsides.” Sendoh added.
“It’s fine.” The first few words Rukawa utters that night, that made Sendoh secretly blow in relief. Jail for a night is not something he really wants after this miserable day.
Rukawa then approached his bicycle, pulled down the bike stand by his foot and lifted its body in one grip. He was about to turn to walk back into his place but something stopped his bike from moving. He turned his head back and noticed that the handlebar was being held by the stranger’s hand!
Sendoh finally realized and released his hold right away. “Oh, sorry. Off you go, Miyata.” he said and waved goodbye at the bicycle.
That weird moment made Rukawa’s brows flinch a little. Sendoh secretly chuckles upon noticing. But in the back of his mind, he thought this person is truly heartless like what the rumors are saying about Rukawa. He couldn’t even thank him for saving his bike!
But he needs shelter right now. He badly needs to take off his shoes before it’s too late for his feet. So he gulped, as if swallowing his pride, before asking a favor from a stranger. “Rukawa!” he called.
Rukawa stopped and turned his head back to him.
“Can I… Can I come in?” he asked in a forceful grin. “You see, I’m drenched and it’s getting cold out here—“
But Rukawa ignored him and continued to walk with the bike on his hold. And when Sendoh is about to pout and curse Rukawa inside his head, Rukawa went inside but left the gate open.
Sendoh was surprised. There’s no approval nor rejection by words but seeing that the gate is fully open, it seems Rukawa is allowing him inside!
Uncertain if his understanding of Rukawa’s action is correct but he badly needs shelter right now. So, without mulling more about it, Sendoh walked to the gate. If he misunderstood, Rukawa can always kick him out.
Before he went inside completely, he took a peek and saw a narrow wooden staircase leading towards the second level. First question that clouded his mind is… how on earth did a giant person and a bicycle able to fit in this narrow space? Nonetheless, that’s not what he should be concerned about. So he went further inside, closed the gate and squeezed his enormous body in the narrow space as he moved up the stairs.
When he reached the end of the staircase, he found Rukawa securing the bicycle on its own stand, parked just in front of the unit’s door.
‘If it has a bike stand, why park it outside? My poor baby Miyata.’ Sendoh’s thoughts, pitying over his newly found companion. He even placed a palm on its handlebar to show more of his sympathy. A strange gesture that made Rukawa’s brows meet in between, then to the owner of the hand. Sendoh caught his stares filled with judgment… and worry. He immediately retrieved his hand back, shoved it inside his pocket and covered up his silliness by flashing his wide smile at the owner of the bike. Fortunately, Rukawa’s judging stares released him immediately.
When his bike was properly secured, Rukawa headed inside the unit. The door was wide open as Rukawa wordlessly waited for Sendoh to come in.
Sendoh sighed in relief. His gut feeling is correct and no need to get kicked out. He followed without second thoughts.
Before he could utter his thanks, a pair of home slippers was dropped in front of his feet. A common gesture from people living in Japan, but experiencing it from the known snob guy made him feel speechless. He watched as Rukawa silently removed his transparent raincoat and about to hop out off the genkan, when his hand moved on its own and grabbed the host’s wrist out-of-the-blue.
Rukawa abruptly looked back.
Sendoh forced a smile to express another favor he needed. “See Rukawa, I’m well-soaked inside out. Do you mind if I use your bathroom? And perhaps… a shower too?”
He is certain Rukawa’s brows flinched but he badly needs to shower or he’ll get sick, or most likely stink.
Lucky for him, Rukawa agreed when (even after waiting for a long minutes of serious thinking) he pointed at a door located at the end of the hallway. So he freed the wrist and let Rukawa go. “Thanks Rukawa.”
And when Rukawa was about to leave the genkan for the second time, he grabbed his wrist once again and blurted another request. “Perhaps a towel and a hanger too?”
After his quick shower, he went back to his drenched bag he left at the genkan. Good thing he always brings extra clothes with him so he can change to dry clothes after a tiring basketball game.
And since Rukawa sounds helpful since he grants simple favors from him and even allowing him to use home slippers, why not make the most of it? He fished his almost-broken phone out of his bag with its cable, but another dilemma is realized… the adapter is not in his bag! He cried. To think this will be the least of his problems. Now he has to ask for an adapter too!
Aa. Fuck it! Phone is really important in this current situation he is stuck with, so he’ll just try his luck. Hopefully, Rukawa won’t kick him out while the storm is getting worse and worse!
The partly uninvited guest walked further into the unit and searched for the owner of the house. He found him standing next to the window of the living room, facing it, while having a phone call.
As a good guest, it’s bad to listen to a phone call, so to distract his senses, he roams his eyes around the house. From where he is standing, he gets a clear view of both the living and the dining area. The kitchen is just next to the dining room but a wall is blocking his view. It’s neat and quite expensive looking but spacious for a teenager alone. Though the four seats of the dining table already implies that Rukawa is not living alone.
Once Rukawa’s phone call ended, Sendoh didn’t waste time to voice out his needs—another favor to be precise. “Rukawa.” he softly called. Rukawa turned to him without leaving his place.
Sendoh began rubbing his nape, feeling a little embarrassed to express another favor. “Uhmm…” The rubbing of the nape switches to scratching a cheek. “You see, I’m really sorry for disturbing your peace tonight… but do you… by any chance… have an adapter for this kind of cable?” He showed the said item with the phone in one grip.
His eyes rolled from nowhere to Rukawa, doing it again and again to see any change in Rukawa's reaction, while praying he wouldn't get kicked out. To his surprise and relief, Rukawa marched towards him and took the cable and phone off his grip.
Sendoh blew off his worried heart. Rukawa seems not a bad person. He’s helpful and considerate—but his words of praise immediately ceased after hearing Rukawa’s next words that hits the very center of his ego.
“This is old.”
Frank but true. Offensive but a fact. His phone is an old model and has been with him for like seven years.
“Is this still out in the market? No thief would ever attempt to steal this.”
It’s hard to tell if Rukawa is purposely hitting his ego or if it is just a side of his helpful-yet-rude personality. He forced a fake smile, hiding his raging inner self, and tried to be polite like a good guest as much as possible despite the offensive and unnecessary remarks from the host. “So do you have one or not?”
Nevertheless, he needs him and Rukawa providing him shelter under this dangerous weather is more important. But to be honest, he really wants to do something about his rude mouth right now!
“None.”
Damn. He was insulted for nothing!
His hurt ego thought of snatching the cable and phone back, but when he noticed Rukawa’s expression, as if coming up for an alternative, he ceased his rude thoughts.
Rukawa then forced the cable back to his hand and silently went inside the door located next to the couch of the living room. Few minutes passed and Rukawa went out with a laptop. Sendoh watched him march to the center table, sat on the ground and placed the laptop on top. He brought out a cable, which seemed to be its charger, then plugged both ends to the right socket. After pressing the switch button, Rukawa extended a hand towards Sendoh's direction, asking for the obvious. “Cable.”
Another jaw-dropping moment for Sendoh. All this time, he thought Rukawa would kick him out and yet, he looked for an alternative and made this grand effort just to help him. “Ah. Ah. Right.” he tattered for an unknown reason. Even his feet hesitated to approach but were able to and calmly hand the cable and his phone over to Rukawa.
Sendoh watched him plug the cable’s end on a certain port then the other end on his phone. The same time Sendoh remembers the broken screen. Odd, but Rukawa didn’t open his unsharpened mouth nor fret upon seeing the damaged phone. Instead, he waited for the device to charge properly and light up. Once it did, he handed the phone back to its owner. “This works.”
Despite every surprising thing that was happening, Sendoh felt more alive after seeing his phone light up. “Oh thank you. Thank you!” He almost hugged his phone due to the blissful feeling. “Thanks Rukawa. I promise you, I will leave as soon as my phone is charged enough.”
Rukawa simply looked at him and gave him a nod.
Sendoh begins tapping on his almost-broken phone to thoroughly check if it’s still functioning well… until he remembers what he intends to express the moment he stepped inside this house. So, he placed his phone down on the table, sat properly and turned his whole form to Rukawa. “Rukawa, look, I just want to let you know how much I deeply–”
But his thankful speech was cut off when an embarrassing situation interrupted him, which made both of their eyes rounded in surprise. All because Sendoh’s stomach grumbles aloud!
The awkward moment made his cheeks reddened deeply due to extreme embarrassment, wishing for the ground to swallow him whole right there and then. He laughed sheepishly, “My… my ringtone.” he chuckled at his own lame foolishness. “Unique right?”
The dull expression on Rukawa’s face obviously didn’t believe his lie. Not even the dumbest person on earth will, of course.
Another cry from his stomach sounded aloud that pushed him into the corner. So he simply swallows his dignity and says, “Rukawa… do… Do you have something here we can eat?”
A complete set of Japanese meals. for two, is what Rukawa showed Sendoh after lifting the food cover prepared on top of the dining table. No wonder Sendoh already smells an enticing aroma of grilled fish upon entering the unit. The dinner is already prepared. Question is,... why for two?
“My brother will be late. You can eat his part.” Rukawa blankly says. He then placed the food cover at one inner seat, then took the outer seat next to it.
And since the food was offered to him and he was really and truly famished, he simply sat at the seat across Rukawa. He watched as Rukawa started indulging himself without waiting for him. Despite the urge of his mouth wanting to have a taste of this free blessing in front of him, he needs to pretend and behave like how a guest should when offered a meal. “Is it really okay, Rukawa? Are you sure I can eat?”
Rukawa looked at him for a second, before going back to his meal. “It’s fine. Better than wasted.”
A blow of relief for Rukawa didn't change his mind. He joins his palms together and softly murmurs, “Itadakimasu.”
Sendoh grabbed his chopsticks and took his first bite of the grilled fish he’s been wanting to taste the minute his eyes landed on them. Sadly, it really doesn’t taste that great. “Did… did you cook this?”
Rukawa gave him an eye and nodded.
He faked a smile, “It’s good.” he said, but in the back of his mind. ‘So Rukawa is a bad cook.’ Nevertheless, it’s enough to fill his stomach, especially since he hasn’t eaten yet since this morning. Despite his ungrateful complaints over the offered food, his hunger couldn’t resist filling his mouth more and more. A famished person can definitely eat a bland meal!
In the middle of their silent dinner together, Sendoh suddenly remembered his grateful speech that was interrupted a while ago. And now is the perfect time. So he placed his chopsticks down, “Ah Rukawa…” he called, earning Rukawa’s attention. “I just… I just wanted to say my thanks for saving me down there. I truly appreciate it. I know I’m a complete stranger to you… yet you invited me in.” A sweet smile in between his sincere words. “I owe you one. I promise you.”
Rukawa simply gave him a blank stare, not responding by words.
He felt a little uncomfortable. It’s his first time expressing thanks to someone and now he knows how dumb it feels, especially if it’s to a person who isn’t fond of conversation. He rubbed a cheek with a finger and sheepishly smiled. “Aa. I promise I’ll leave as soon as my phone is well charged. I can’t trouble you more.”
Rukawa simply shrugged his shoulders and continued on his food.
As the dinner goes, the silence however, is a little deafening so Sendoh brings up a topic. “You said you have a brother. Older or younger?”
His question raised an eyebrow of Rukawa, which made Sendoh panicked inside. Rukawa might think he’s crossing the line for asking personal questions. “Ah… I’m sorry if I–”
“Younger.”
His panic subsides when Rukawa answers him. Good thing, Rukawa didn’t get upset.
“Two year younger,” he added.
Seems Rukawa doesn’t mind conversing at all so Sendoh continued. “Where is he? Is he also stuck somewhere?”
“Staying with his friend.”
“Ah I see.” Although it’s good to hear Rukawa doesn’t mind exchanging chats but his little responses are making things more awkward for him that he feels responsible to look for new topics every now and then. “How… How about your parents? Are they stuck somewhere too?”
“No. They’re traveling.”
“Ah I see. So… you’re alone with your brother.”
Rukawa answered by lifting his brow once.
“Ah. okay.” Dead end once again. And he was out of topic to talk about… so he just kept his silence.
“Tea or Juice?”
A question that made his head turn to Rukawa, “Sorry?” Yes, he heard. The only surprising part is that Rukawa started this conversation!
“Tea or Juice?” Rukawa repeated the question.
It took a while for him to find his voice and respond. “Aa. Water is fine. Please don’t trouble yourself anymore.” he sincerely says. But the awkward staring contest with Rukawa made him select one from the two choices given. “Juice.”
He went back to his meal with the thought that the question ends there, but he’s wrong. “Flavor?”
A little surprised, but he answered away. “Lemon.”
“There’s no lemon.”
“Aa… Orange?”
“No Orange.”
“Pineapple?”
“No pineapple.”
He’s starting to feel the vein popping in his forehead. Is Rukawa playing him? “Then perhaps… apple? Is there an apple?”
But Rukawa shook his head.
He forced a murderous beam, “Then… Then what choice do I have?”
”Berry…” A long awkward pause from Rukawa before ending with a twist, “... Tea.”
The vein almost burst out of Sendoh’s forehead, annoyed by this somewhat mockery over him. “Then… then berry tea it is!” He gives out pretentious chuckles, but his mind is screaming, ‘Sheesh, why bother asking for the flavor?! Or asking if tea or juice even?! This guy is weird!’
Nevertheless, that made him laugh secretly inside. Perhaps, Rukawa is really trying to joke around with him? It’s hard to tell because of his neutral expression.
Rukawa went into the kitchen and went back with a bottle of Berry Tea Juice .
A grin formed, escaping soft chuckles without him realizing it. Rukawa is definitely and obviously playing with him!
After handing him the bottle of juice, Rukawa started clearing the table. And as a polite guest, he thought of offering a deed to someone who offers a lot of help to a stranger like him. He grabbed Rukawa’s wrist to stop him and expressed his intention. “Rukawa, allow me to do the cleaning.”
Most of the hosts will refuse any guests who offer to do any chores. At least, that’s what Sendoh had in mind. But when Rukawa placed the plates and utensils down then marched towards the living room, he knew right away that he fell into his own trap. Sendoh cried.
After doing the chore as a form of his thanks, Sendoh went straight to the living room to check his phone. Seeing the persistent raging downpour outside the window, he knew it’s still impossible to travel back home. He sat on the ground and picked up his phone. Probably best to inform his roommate-slash-teammate about his current situation.
“Hey Fukuda! I’m stuck somewhere. I don’t know if I can travel home.”
Fukuda replied after a few seconds. “The street is flooded. Best to stay where you are.”
Fuck. This day is truly unfortunate. He’s stuck at a stranger’s house and going home is still nowhere near. He threw his head back at the couch and closed his eyes for a second… but immediately regretted it. For the face he wants to forget flashes instantly in his mind the moment he closes his eyes.
Voices were heard coming from the room next to the couch. Sendoh turns his head and notices that the door is partly open. So even if he refuses to listen, he can hear the phone call Rukawa is having. And by the tone of his voice, he looks irritated. “I thought you said friend , why are you with him?”
‘Him?’ It sounds like he’s talking to his younger brother. But who's ‘ him ’? A part of himself feels curious that he can’t help but leaned his ear closer to the open space.
Unsure if it’s the volume of Rukawa’s phone, or because of the silence surrounding the room, or because of his curiosity but he can clearly hear the other side's response.
“Because I know you will not allow it. That’s why I lied nii-san. I’m really sorry.”
Not wanting to pry more on the conversation he’s not initially permitted to hear, Sendoh just buried himself on the phone. Scrolling on his social media to read some news about the unexpected weather. His attention was easily divided when a furry friend appeared suddenly beside him–a black cat. It seems that the cat was staying inside the room when he arrived that he didn’t notice it before.
“Hello there friend...” he greeted and picked the furry friend from the ground. He turned the silver nameplate on his collar to check his name, “... Momo.” He smiled at the sweet-looking creature, purring at his words as if responding. “Why didn’t I see you before? Are you sleeping inside the room?”
A thud was heard from his right. He turned and saw Rukawa looking down at him. He sensed a strange vibe over his calculating stare, but he ignored and flashes his famous gentle smile. “Didn’t know you have a cat?” he said.
Rukawa sat down beside him while watching him play with his pet cat. “He likes you.”
Sendoh cuddled Momo on his arm and patted his head. “What do you mean? He’s a peach.”
“Peach? He’s a devil!” Rukawa demoed his claims by attempting to touch the cat but the cat snarled at him. “Peach? Pffft!”
Sendoh laughed. “Are you saying your own pet cat doesn’t like you?”
“He’s not mine. He’s my brother’s.”
“Perhaps, you’re eating cat’s meat in your past life, Rukawa. That’s why Momo here hates you.”
“Dunno. But I don’t mind feeding this cat to the rats!” The cat snarled at him once again, as if he understands. Sendoh laughed, “He really hates you.”
The cat then jumped off Sendoh’s arms, making Sendoh feel sad. “Aw. Momo come back! Don’t leave me.” But the cat went inside the room.
“That cat is lazy. He sleeps all day.”
Sendoh chuckled, “Aa. Maybe that’s why he likes me. Sleeping is my pastime.” he said. Then his eyes landed on a particular box and immediately caught his attention. “Wait. Is that a Collection Box?”
Rukawa followed where he’s looking and nodded., confirming Sendoh’s theory.
“Oh wow! Amazing! Can I take a look?” For some reason, Sendoh felt comfortable and has somehow forgotten that he’s still a stranger inside his house. When Rukawa permitted him by a nod of his head, he promptly grabbed the box out under the table. He opened the box and found the gems inside. Apparently, it’s an NBA Basketball Cards collection gift box where some of the hall-of-fame superstars are included. “Sweet!” This is one of the items he dreamt to collect, like any young basketball player there is. He began pulling cards out to examine. “Wow. This is great! How do you get a lot by the way?
“Dad.”
“A gift from your dad? Lucky you.”
“Hm. Gift every time he comes back to Japan.”
“Does that mean they travel a lot? You have tons of NBA cards here.”
“Aye. It’s their thing.” Rukawa answered. “Dad comes home bringing vintage cards as a gift. He said it’s his way of thanking me for taking care of my brother while they’re away.”
His words may sound plain, but it only shows that his parents appreciate that Rukawa is doing a good job in taking care of his brother. Somehow, that made Sendoh’s lips curved sweetly. “Are they mostly away traveling?”
“Every month.”
“Wow. You sound rich.”
Rukawa simply gave him an eye.
“Oh before I forgot, I just want to say Congratulations on winning the National Tournament against the number 1, Sannoh!” Sendoh says out-of-the-blue. “I heard you had an intense battle with that Kitasawa–”
“Sawakita.” Rukawa immediately corrected him.Sendoh scratched the back of his head due to embarrassment. “Ah right. Sawakita. You know he’s famous right?”
Rukawa simply shrugged, not caring at all on how he compliments the other guy.
A sonorous thunder followed by deadly lightning caught the attention of the two boys. The rain goes even heavier and incessant. “Ah man!” He felt closing his eyes, accepting his fate. It’s most likely, his next request to Rukawa is if he can stay the night. But it could be too early to say, so he’ll just wait for the right timing. “Oh. How about your brother? How will he come home?”
“He won’t come home.” Rukawa says. But what Sendoh noticed is how Rukawa’s jaws sterned as well as how his eyes turned murderous. “He’s staying with that motherfucking boyfriend of his!”
Sendoh felt surprised. Not by the sudden change of his expression to anger, but by the word that confirms the identity of ‘him’ over his phone call a while ago. ‘ So that’s his brother’s boyfriend. ’ But what bothers Sendoh the most is how Rukawa expresses his hate over his brother’s lover.
“Are… are you… are you homophobic, Rukawa?”
Rukawa turned to him and easily noticed how Sendoh averted his gaze after firing his question. It’s as if he’s worried about what his answer will be. “No.”
One simple word lightened Sendoh’s expression, making his brows meet in between… or most likely confirming a theory.
“But you sound like you’re mad at your brother’s lover. Why is that?”
His jaws are back to clenching. “Because he’s simply an asshole. That’s why.” By the sound of it, Sendoh concludes the reason behind Rukawa’s anger towards the other guy–jealousy. A brother who deeply loves his own little brother is jealous over his lover.
A loud laugh escaped Sendoh, making Rukawa feel dubious about it.
“Do your parents know? I mean… about your brother’s choice ?”
“Tch. They don’t care. They even supported and celebrated it.” Rukawa recalls how his parents throw a family party after his younger brother reveals this same sex relationship. They even call it a celebration of his younger brother’s first love despite him throwing a protest, with the reason that his brother is just seventeen!
“But isn’t that great…”
Rukawa felt the sudden change in Sendoh's tone. His head slowly turns to his companion and finds a different side of his known rival…
“... your brother is fully accepted by his own family.” A smile he expressed. “I guess his lover won’t have to worry fighting for his place eh?”
For some reason, even though he doesn’t converse or speak too much, Rukawa lost words to say to him. A deafening amount of silence drops. Neither found the right words to change the uncomfortable topic.
Sendoh buried his orbs by looking at each card inside the box. He continuously picks one card at a time but never really bothers to look at any of it. He fully regretted what he just said. He promised himself that he’ll no longer gloom over this. It’s tiring and unworthy! He did what he could. He held on as much as he could. This can never be his fault!
A loud thud surprises him. He looked up and saw six cans of beer, still attached in one carton, were dropped on the table. Then he watched Rukawa sit on the ground and took two beers from the carton. He released one from the box, opened it and handed it to him. “Oi.”
Sendoh was left in awe. It took some time before he finally accepted the offered drink. Then Rukawa took another, opened it, and drank it himself. He felt Sendoh’s eyes filled with questions about the unexpected gesture he just did. “What?”
“Aa. Uhmm. Beer? What for?”
Rukawa paused before answering. “My father says, when a guest is upset, offer him a drink. Tea for women. Beer for men.”
“Upset?” Sendoh faked a chuckle. “I’m not upset. You’re mistaken.” But he knew that Rukawa had already busted him, and lying is totally worthless. He simply smirked at it. Not everyone can see right through him that easily. Neither thought that a stranger can easily do so. He drank an amount from the can, almost emptying it. “Haaaa. That feels a lot better.” A light chuckle, and turned his sincere gaze directly at Rukawa. “Thanks Rukawa. This tastes really good.”
The younger one simply gave him an eye and drank his own beer.
A reasonable amount of silence passes between them, allowing the dangerous sound of the heavy droplets to circulate around the room… until Rukawa surprisingly proposed an activity himself. “Wanna play checker?”
“What the—? Why do you keep bumping the board? I was about to win!” Sendoh growled a complaint after seeing how Rukawa subtly bumped the board by his right knee.”
“Where’s your evidence?” Rukawa murmured while plucking his right ear with his pinky finger, not giving a care on Sendoh’s complains. “You can’t just accuse without proper evidence, you know.”
“Ugh. You’ve been doing that for three times already! Three times when I am about to win!” Due to the three cans of alcohol the two boys had taken, Sendoh has already forgotten his principle of how to behave like a good and polite guest. And now he’s voicing out all his frustration on the host’s rude behavior.
Seeing how Rukawa is not giving a damn about all his worries, Sendoh reaches for his cheek and pinches it! “Do you hate losing that much Rukawa huh?”
As a person who never backs down into a fight, Rukawa took his revenge by doing the same thing to Sendoh’s cheek. “I said I didn’t do it! Why do you whine so much? Crybaby!”
Sendoh reached for Rukawa’s other cheek and pinched it too. “Sore loser! I almost got fooled! I thought you are truly helpful and accommodating, but I was wrong! The rumors are true.”
Rukawa took Sendoh’s other cheek. “Come to think of it… why are you still here? You always say you’ll go home after this, and after that. Yet you’re still here! You even shower and eat my brother’s dinner!”
The two boys keep stretching both of the other’s faces while exchanging banters.
“You told me to eat it!”
“Your jurassic phone is fully charge! Go home!”
“You heartless prick! It’s still flooded outside! Do you want me to swim! And what Jurassic? My phone is vintage! Vintage!”
“I don’t care!”
“I saved Miyata! Can’t you even thank me for that?”
“Who the hell is Miyata?!”
“Your bicycle!”
“Why are you naming my bicycle!”
“You’re a bad parent! How can you leave my poor Miyata outside!”
“Are you crazy?”
They lost words to throw back at each other. Now the two boys are battling in a staring contest. Both stares are stern. Neither backs down. Neither wants to suffer the losing side… until Sendoh softens after noticing something unique on Rukawa’s face.
“Wow Rukawa. I didn’t know you had thick lashes.” The pinching of his cheeks suddenly turned into cupping, making Rukawa’s eyes narrowed at him. Enchanted, Sendoh didn’t realize that his face was getting closer to Rukawa. “And your eyes are just like mine—mesmeriz—” But his praises were silenced when Rukawa released his cheeks and pushed his face with one hand. “Go away!”
Sendoh’s back hit the floor. He stayed lying there in silence… until he started laughing all by himself.
Rukawa rolled his eyes. “Doaho.”
After crazily laughing alone with no reason, Sendoh suddenly stops and the room is back into dead silence.
“I’m sorry for all the troubles, Rukawa. I know I keep saying I’ll leave…” He stroked his hair with his fingers, and closed his eyes. “But I guess… I needed company right now that I couldn’t.” A chuckle in between. “Pathetic am I? Asking comfort from a stranger….”
A given time before Rukawa finally speaks, “I’m not asking you to leave.”
Sendoh got up and looked at Rukawa.
“I do want to kick you out. But it makes me feel like I’m some kind of a philanthropist and you’re a homeless person that I’m helping out… Kinda like portraying Robin Hood, you see.”
Sendoh laughed. “You’re silly. I’m not homeless, geez. You meanie!”
“And besides…” Rukawa’s tone turned serious that ended Sendoh’s laughter. “… you look upset.”
Sendoh gaped. Rukawa may look and sound like he never care at all… but he’s actually giving attention into small details. Somehow that made Sendoh curved his lips into a sweet and gentle one. He never thought that out of all the people in Kanagawa… he’ll bump into someone like Rukawa.
“Rukawa…” Sendoh called. Rukawa turned to him and noticed the most gentle smile he has seen on Sendoh that made him part his lips. “… As for my last favor for this night… do you think we can have another round of drinks?”
As the beers were out and they couldn't leave the house to buy more drinks, the two boys, who are still craving for more alcohol, went inside Rukawa’s parent’s room to look for more.
“Are you sure we can barge in?” Sendoh asked.
“I can. But you can’t.” Rukawa bluntly said.
“You should have told me that first!”
“It doesn’t matter. They’re not here.” Rukawa opened a certain rack and their eyes were mesmerized by the expensive looking wines that must’ve come from different places his parents went to.
“Sweeeet.” The two boys uttered in delight.
Rukawa picked the bigger one, not caring what type of alcohol it is.
Sendoh lightly tapped Rukawa’s shoulder. “Are you sure we can drink this?”
“They won’t care. As long as it’s not drugs, it’s fine.”
“Come on, man. Ask your father’s permission first. What if these are collectibles.”
Rukawa sighed in annoyance. “Whining again.” But picked up his phone and called his father through facetime. He puts it in a loud speaker so the whiner could hear. The moment the line was picked up, Rukawa brought up the bottle tied in a golden ribbon to the screen. “Old man. Can I drink this?” Rukawa casually asked.
As Sendoh peeks at the screen, it looks like their mother and father are at some kind of party where the background is like in France or somewhere in Europe. And they sound like they are having drinks too.
“My son! It’s so unusual for you to call papa.” His father said and almost cry. “Of course! Of course! Drink whatever you like. Just don’t do drugs, okay?”
Rukawa turned to Sendoh. “See?”
The screen caught Sendoh by accident. “Who’s that son? Is that your brother? I thought he’s with Murai-kun? Are you with someone?”
“Don’t say that name like he’s so welcome here!” Rukawa gritted. The father simply laughed, “So who’s that?”
Rukawa sighed, “Some homeless person I helped out.”
Sendoh lightly elbowed him, annoyed at being introduced as homeless.
“Aww. My son is bonding with a friend.” Then the father waved at someone. “Honey, look, our eldest son is drinking with a friend!”
The mother appeared on the screen. “Aww. My Kae-chimi’s first pajama party ever? Oh my gosh! I’m crying now.”
A scoff was heard from his back. “Kae-chimi.” Sendoh repeated and chuckled.
“Do you want to die?!”
The mother persisted to know the guest’s name even though Rukawa kept refusing but gave in.
“Sendoh-kun, just drink and eat whatever you like. And stay for the night. I heard there’s a storm so enjoy your stay, okay?”
Sendoh politely waved at the screen. “Thank you Rukawa-san. Pleasure to meet you both.”
“We should go now. Enjoy the night boys! Just don’t do drugs, okay?” Then the phone call ended.
“What’s up with the drug thing Rukawa?”
Rukawa explains as he closes the drawer. “They always say we are free to do whatever we like… just not drugs.”
Sendoh chuckled, finding it silly but makes sense. “I see. Your parents are cool, you know…” They both stood and prepared to leave with the bottle of sake on Rukawa’s hold. “Let’s go Kae-chimimi.” Sendoh teased, earning a kick on his butt.
The 1L of bottle is not even consumed by a half and yet the two boys are completely wasted. Rukawa’s head is wobbling and can’t even open his eyes. While Sendoh is totally worn out and blabbering out his broken heart, “It’s his loss! His loss!”
“Loss. Loss.” Rukawa’s drunken self kept mumbling some of Sendoh’s words.
Sendoh arched an arm on Rukawa’s neck and pulled their heads together, while the other hand was gripping on the bottle of wine. “He keeps complaining that I always put basketball first over him! That isn’t true! I’m always late because of him! Because he keeps whining about it!”
Rukawa starts bobbing his head. “True. True.”
“I love basketball, the same way I cared for him. But I can’t lose basketball! It’s my passion!”
“Basketball first. Basketball first.”
“On and off for two years now! And he still says he’s confused! Fuck!” He drank directly from the bottle.
“Hm. Hm. Hm.”
“Breaking up with me then come crawling at my door asking me to fuck him all night? I’m not some booty call! I’m his boyfriend!”
“Too much… Too much information.”
Sendoh released Rukawa and slammed his forehead on the table. “This sucks! I hate this!” His voice trembles as he speaks. “I can’t hold onto this anymore.”
“Break up with him.”
Sendoh turned his head to Rukawa, still on the table. “What do you mean?”
Rukawa’s eyes are still closed, head wobbling, while murmuring words of wisdom. “If it’s holding you down, just break up.”
Sendoh slowly lifted his head off the table and sat straight. The words of a drunken Rukawa occupy his mind, “I don’t think… I want to… I mean, we’ve been together for two years… Problems only occur when his parents start living with him.” Sendoh reminisced about the happy moments he spent with his lover but eventually remembered the toxic ones… especially this morning when his boyfriend threw a tantrum and smashed his phone to the ground only because he’s two minutes late coming from a practice game with Shohoku. So he shook his head. He can’t live like this! He has to choose him for once! He deserves better. “That’s it! I’ll break up with him! Right here! Right now! This time… Sendoh Akira will be the one to break up this toxic relationship!”
Rukawa showed a fist, in blazing orbs. “Yes! Let’s break that Murai’s leg!”
“Not him! And nobody’s breaking a leg!” Sendoh cried.
The drunken Sendoh picked up his phone and began typing on the broken screen. After some time, the boyfriend appears on the screen. “Akira, what do you think you’re doing? I’m having dinner with my family. You know we can’t talk when they’re present.”
Sendoh scoffed and suddenly felt sorry for his self. “You can’t even say ‘Hi’ first.”
“What do you mean? Wait. Are you drunk?”
“Not like you’ll care.”
“Is this about what happened this morning? Look, I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to break your phone. It’s your fault anyway. You’re five minutes late.”
And now blaming him for an action he obviously didn’t do. “Two.” he corrected.
“What?”
Sendoh sighed. “It’s just two minutes. I’m only two minutes late.”
“Then what do you want me to say?”
“How about asking my whereabouts? Or what happened to me during this storm—Tch. Whatever.” It’s pointless to point out simple things anyway.
The person on the other line heaved a sigh. “Akira, don’t be like this, please? Let’s talk tomorrow. I’ll go to your apartment, okay? My parents are here, we can’t talk right now. You know I’ll be in trouble if they suspect things…”
Sendoh placed a palm on his whole face. He couldn’t believe this. He was all confident a while ago… but can’t find it in his heart to voice out his intention in words. And as usual, the boyfriend wins again and he’s about to cave in but a dirty finger out-of-nowhere flashes on the screen that makes both Sendoh and the other line’s jaws drop.
“Who—who’s that? Is that yours? Did you just swear at me?!”
“No. That’s not—“
But the phone was grabbed from him and Rukawa’s drunken face appeared on the screen. This all happened so fast that Sendoh is left frozen in place.
“Listen you… Murai the second!”
“Who? Who are you? And who the fuck is Murai?”
“He called to break up with you! But he’s a coward to say it.”
“What? Akira, where are you? And who’s this guy? What do you mean by breaking up? Akira!”
But his boyfriend’s voice couldn’t reach him, for he is too astounded by what is happening right before his eyes.
Rukawa pointed a thumb at Sendoh's direction, even though he can’t be seen on the screen. “A lot of people I know are looking up to that guy you are taking for granted.”
Sendoh turned even more speechless about Rukawa’s unforeseen and lengthy words.
“He’s a genius in basketball. He’s smart and can come up with plays better than anyone. He’s a better opponent than that Kitasawa. He’s the reason why coach can’t approve what I want, and now I’m stuck here. So until I beat him inside the court… no one can step down on him like what you are doing to him.”
Still stunned and in awe, but Rukawa’s words are starting to resonate inside him. Like awakening the real Sendoh Akira that he buried deep inside to give way for this relationship he’s trying to keep within grasp.
“Besides…” Rukawa took some time to look at the screen, as if examining the person’s features. “… you are no darn special. Like that Murai. Goodbye.”
“Hey! Who do you think you’re talking to—“ And the call ended by a press of a red button on the screen. Rukawa threw the broken phone at the couch then back to closing his eyes. “Annoying.” he mumbled after hearing the ugly voice on the line he just ended. The effect of the alcohol came creeping back into his head and it started to wobble again from side to side.
With all that he heard, Sendoh is still left dumbfounded, watching Rukawa’s head wobble to and fro. And those words coming from Rukawa made him realize how much self-worth he lost during those two-year on-and-off relationship that Rukawa just ended a while ago. How much he tries to endure a relationship that never really values him.
And he never thought that above all the people he knows… this guy… the one with the rudest mouth… the one who is rumored to be a snob… the one who almost heartlessly kicked him out into the storm… and the one who is a complete stranger to him… appreciates his whole being.
The phone rang again and again, but for some reason, Sendoh wasn't bothered by it any longer. Instead… he scoot over and sat next to Rukawa. He pushed the younger one’s wobbling forehead by a finger and let his head rest comfortably on his shoulder. He took his ringing phone off the couch then pressed the red button. He opens his contact list and finds the name of the new stranger, then blocks it without thinking twice about it.
The courage he couldn’t find to do those simple things… was somehow found by this person sleeping beside him.
The morning comes…
Sendoh felt the warmth of the sunlight coming from the window. He forced his eyes to open and finally saw a glimpse of the sun after the stormy night.
He tried to get up and stretched his back. Sleeping on the couch in a sitting position is really a pain in the back. Then he felt a weight on his right leg that made him remember the memorable night that happened—Rukawa’s sleeping head is on his right leg.
The view of his face, and the incidents from the last night they accidentally shared made his lips form a gentle curve.
He lifted Rukawa’s head carefully and replaced his leg with a throw pillow. Because right at this moment, he badly needs to pee!
After coming out of the bathroom, he noticed how the place turned messy after last night. So, as a guest who had free dinner, drinks and lodging, he decided to clean the place by himself but tried to be quiet as much as possible so the host’s sleep won’t be disturbed.
It was going well and about to be done when sounds of keys and clicks were heard coming from the main door. And when the door opens, a shorter Rukawa appeared.
And as soon as their eyes met, the boy’s mouth dropped in surprise. Especially if the scene that welcomes him… is a shirtless stranger inside his house!
Sendoh decided to remove his shirt while he cleans so it wouldn't get dirty and smelly. But it never crossed his mind the misunderstanding it can bring. “Oh.”
“Who—who are you?!!!” The boy freaked out.
“Hold on! Let me explain.”
But the boy ignored him and ran directly to his sleeping brother on the couch. He lifted half of his brother’s weight and wiggled his form, “Nii-san! Nii-san! What happened? Why is there a shirtless guy here?! Did he pop your cherry?!” The boy cried and hugged his brother’s head. “My poor nii-chan!”
Sendoh is in aghast. Not actually prepared about the explicit things he’s hearing from a teenager! “Pop—pop—-pop, what?”
The boy continues to cry and wiggle his brother’s form. “Kae-nii-chan! Wake up! Don’t tell me you surrender your virgini—“ Before he could say another disturbing word, Rukawa pushed him off. “What the heck are you saying?!”
His head stings, and felt the alcohol’s effect from last night. The younger Rukawa quickly crawls back to him. “Nii-chan. Who is he? Why is he here? Why is he shirtless?” His brother pointed at Sendoh who’s still towering and couldn’t react to any weird things that’s happening inside the room.
Despite all the crazy things happening in those few minutes that passed, Sendoh captures a heartwarming moment between two brothers who cares deeply for each other.
Rukawa followed where his brother was pointing at, and finally remembered that Sendoh did stay for the night. “Oh, you’re still here.” Rukawa is back to his unfiltered words. Sendoh faked a chuckle, embarrassed. “Ah yeah. I wanted to clean before I go.”
Rukawa tried to get up despite the sting on his head. “No need.” Then he turned to his brother on the ground who made his brows meet in between after seeing his brother’s blazing gaze aimed at their guest. “Oi.” he lightly kicked his shin to steal his attention. “Clean the house.”
“Huh? Why me???”
“You lied to me, remember?” Rukawa says, clearly saying it’s his punishment.
“But I already apologize.” His brother begged, cried and whined, but a drama is what the older brother sees. “Clean or I’ll hunt for that Murai—“
The brother abruptly stood from the ground and beamed at him. “Okay!” He grabbed the bag from Sendoh’s hold, “I’ll take it from here Mr. Shirtless.” Then started cleaning by himself.
And Sendoh couldn’t stop the grin forming while watching the scene shared by the two brothers.
Sendoh went out, already dressed to leave. He turned to bid his good bye to Rukawa who escorted him out. “Rukawa, thank you so much for inviting me in. I owe you one, I promise you.”
Rukawa simply looked at him, then says. “One-on-one. Court near my school. Saturday, 4pm.”
It took some time for him to realize what Rukawa meant. “Aa. Right.” He chuckled, finding the exact details funny. “So that’s what you mean. Easy.”
Sendoh then thought of something. He took a pen out of his bag and grabbed Rukawa’s wrist. He then starts writing down something without even asking for permission.
When Rukawa looked at what was written, a mobile number is what he saw. “You know… I have my phone in my pocket. Why do you have to write it on my arm?!”
Sendoh found his annoyance funny that he couldn’t heped the chuckle. He then pulled his jacket’s sleeve upward and revealed his pale arm. “Wanna take your revenge?” He said, and offered Rukawa the pen.
“Tch. You’re a fool.” But then again, he took the pen and wrote his mobile number. Sendoh smiled in secret while watching Rukawa write his own number on his arm.
“Great. That settles it.” Sendoh says, “Call me if you need one-on-one. Anytime. I’ll make some time for you.”
Rukawa gave him a nod. “Then call me if you need to burn things. If you are still a coward to do it, I’ll do it for you.” His last words before heading inside and shut the door.
Words coming from Rukawa may sound rude and offensive, but they are meaningful. Something that soothes Sendoh’s ears and warms his heart.
As he was about to take a step, the bright sunny morning caught his attention that made him look up to the bright sky.
He closed his eyes and let the cool breeze of the morning touch his skin, allowing this feeling of being free from a chain that he’s too blind to realize. And it only takes a downpour for him to find a new reason to move forward.
-END-