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Chapter Text

Hanamichi was sure Rukawa appeared before his eyes only to annoyed him.

If not, then there was no reason why they always ran into each other whenever Hanamichi had free time from the rehabilitation program. Like an unwanted fungus, he's everywhere. On the beach, when he read Haruko-chan's newest letter, or at the mini-market, where he slacked-off his strict diet to eat some cheap ramen in secret. What's more maddening was it only took one glance from those foxy-eyes to made his day went into a rot. Because each time the encounter happened, Rukawa’s words, follow me with your life , kept replaying on his mind. 

Like an over-played song, it irked him to the edge of insanity. It might be less horrible if those words were his instead of that jerk. God dammit, it was Rukawa that followed him, and not the other way around. 

Stupid, stupid Kitsune. And also stupid Old Man for trapping him in the rehabilitation center that located close to All-Japan Junior Camp. 

“It’s good to be close with people you know. They’ll help you to recover fast, Sakuragi-kun,” excused the Old Man over the phone after Hanamichi complained about the unexpected encounter he had with Rukawa a week ago. 

Sure, the visit from Sendoh and Maki was nice, but the fact Kitsune breathed and lived near him overthrown that. Especially, when he didn’t bother to properly meet Hanamichi like the other two despite the constant appearance. 

No, Hanamichi wasn’t complaining. Not at all. He only found the cold act from that bastard was utterly nuisance. Yes, they’re rivals, and yes, they hated each other, but still, they’re also teammates. To checked one another was normal. Not that he admitted part of his ill feelings came from his curiosity at what Rukawa had been doing in the camp. Just because of questions like ‘Is the practice hard’, or ‘Do you find new tricks?’ always on the tip of his tongue didn’t mean Hanamichi cared. He was sure the irritation was more about Rukawa being the jerk he is rather than anything else.

On the other hand, he found the indifferent acts comforting. The distance Kistune put between them made Hanamichi could sometimes forget his most humiliating memory. The one that happened merely less than ten seconds, but remained forever in his mind. The pass he purposefully gave to Kitsune at the end of Shohoku and Sannoh match. The moment when he realized that they can be partners, and how disgustingly he wished they are one. 

He hated himself for desiring that connection, but more than that, he despised the fact he wanted it the most in his weakest condition. 

Being in rehabilitation made him aware of many things about himself. One of it is the realization that his pain tolerance was not as high as he thought before. The hard time behind the program taught him that. Everything put him in agony more than any punch he ever received from his enemies. Most of the time, he could hide his real reaction, but at times, it was hurting too much that he screamed so hard out of surrender. 

The acknowledgment of this weak side of his made Hanamichi feel restless. It was getting awful when he realized that he actually had an unexpected urge to reach out to Rukawa for the problem. What actually the jerk can do to help him, he didn’t know. He just wanted him… to see him. But as soon as he grasped his sense of self back, he knew the idea was totally unacceptable. 

If partnered with him on the court one time was almost made Hanamichi wanted to bury himself alive in embarrassment, then wanting to depend on him like friends do sounded like a plan to put a loaded gun to his own head. 

Only sometimes, he wished Rukawa would come to him. To challenged him until the anger could replace the insecurity that slowly rooted deep inside Hanamichi. To reassured him that every pain he went through from the program was not in vain. That he was still needed in the court.

And his love for basketball was worth in the end. 

At first, he didn’t expect that he would living in fear while doing the rehabilitation. He thought it would be as simple as when he got a cold. He met the doctor, did some medication, and he went back to a Tensai that he is in no time. However, what the doctor said in the first meeting didn’t sound promising. She said that his condition could be fixed in three months, but not without some consequences. In her words, and Hanamichi quoted, “You’ll be fine, but I can’t promise  you can jump as high as before so soon”. In short, what she meant was Hanamichi could still play basketball, but his best virtue wouldn’t return without a crack. 

He was a King of Rebound. He supposed to jump higher than any opponents in order to win in the air. Then, how could he keep the title when his jumping skill becomes ordinary?

After that, no matter how she insisted Hanamichi to not be scared, he kept being sucked in the mud of uncertainty. Because even if he followed the instruction perfectly, the possibility to become sucks in jumping was still there. Hanamichi used to be such a positive person, but after knowing the truth, he couldn’t deny how terrified he is of losing not only his jump power but also every basketball ability he had learned before. 

What made it worse is when Hanamichi fell down to the lowest pit of his life, Rukawa definitely wasn’t. Knowing the jerk, he probably aimed nothing, but to be the best in the Camp. Especially, with Sendoh and Maki were there. He probably pushed himself until he breaks his own limit. The limit that Hanamichi familiarized with. Imagining what’s behind the limit scared Hanamichi to the bone.

Because, how could he beat him when he over crossed that limit? 

But, God knew his creation and somehow gifted Hanamichi with a great happy face that could cover his frustration. Regardless of the nightmares that easily became his best friend at night, nor the fearful feeling which creeping out under his skin every time Sendoh shared Rukawa’s progress, he still could laugh and made fun of everything. 

Today was marking day 21st of him being in the Center. It meant almost a month since he had not played basketball. He missed the sound of the ball being dribble in the wood floor, or the feeling of excitement each time he got a perfect rebound. Hell, he even missed all the basic training Gori forced on him before. 

To even touched the ball itself could be felt like heaven now.

Surprisingly, one day Kitsune approached him. His face was still as expressionless as ever. Yet, the way he didn’t look at anything else, but Hanamichi, told him something about this encounter was different. Something that didn’t only involve with one annoying look before going away and irresponsibly leaving Hanamichi to mend his own broke self.

“Kitsune.”

“Do’aho.” 

Hanamichi looked up to stared back at him. Challenging him like they’re on the court. Like he’s still having a chance to stand on the same ground with him as teammates. Hanamichi expected sneers or sarcastic remarks from Rukawa. Yet, aside from the intense look, Rukawa did nothing. 

He did and said nothing, but placing himself beside Hanamichi like it’s the most normal thing to do. Outsiders might even think they’re friends. It was odd and awkward. However, Hanamichi was fond of this moment. With gentle sound from the beach waves surrounded them, he could feel the tips of his lips raised. 

“Miss me?”

“Shut up.”

Hanamichi froze, when out-of-sudden one full plastic bag of Onigiris fell down onto his lap from the top of his head. The culprit behind the weird accident decided to explain nothing but sat beside him instead. He took one wrapped Onigiri from it like he hadn’t just almost killed Hanamichi out of shock. 

“Asshole, act to be more normal next time.”

Rukawa didn’t bother to stop unwrapping the plastic around the rice ball when he said, “Says someone who calls himself a Tensai when he’s clearly an idiot. Eat now.” 

Hanamichi protested, “I am Tensai!” 

Rukawa ignored him to take the first bite of that seasoned rice. Hanamichi, who slightly disappointed by not having the reaction he wanted, placing the plastic between them before took one wrapped Onigiri for himself. While eating, Hanamichi teased Rukawa, “The fact you treated me to lunch for three days straight proves enough that you see me as Tensai, asshole.”

“Cih.” Rukawa chewed harder like Hanamichi’s words put a bad taste on his food. 

It’s been five days since they’re hanging out together. What Hanamichi thought would only happen once turned out to be something that almost scream like a habit now. Rukawa would visit him once a day. That’s the unspoken promise between them. Most of the time, Rukawa would come at lunch break, but it wasn’t rare for him to hit Hanamichi up at night in the Center instead. Usually, it happened if the training was too intense. Not that Rukawa would ever admit that. Hanamichi just knew. 

The interaction was something he’d not expected either. They started from not saying anything, to throwing empty insults to one another, to sometimes when the moment was right, they shared some part of themselves like they’re actual friends. 

“How’s your back?”

“Fine.”

“Hm.”

“How’s the practice?”

“Not bad.”

“Show off.”

“You asked.”

“Still. Show off.”

“Do’aho.”

“Stupid Kitsune.”

None of them talked about the obvious underlying affection between those lines. Nor did they want to. As they both knew being silence meant acceptance in their language. Just because they’re enjoying each other’s presence didn’t mean they had to admit it. 

After all, Hanamichi treasured their time too much to want to complain. He swore on his life that Rukawa would never going to know this, but through their time together, Hanamichi was getting better. Physically, and mentally. The nightmares were gradually disappeared, the rehab program felt easier, and his desire to be partnered with Rukawa didn’t feel like a crime anymore.

If Old Man knew this, he would be so proud of Hanamichi. 

“Rukawa.”

“What?”

“I want to eat Tuna Sandwich for lunch tomorrow.”

“Asshole.”

The next day, Rukawa bought him one.

His arm was completely stretched out to the back of the food rack to reach the last Pocky when Rukawa suddenly said, “I’ll go back to Kanagawa tomorrow.” 

Glancing up, Hanamichi was faced with what maybe can be considered as Rukawa’s concern expression. He blinked. Once. Twice. Before, “What?”

Rukawa repeated his words. This time, way louder and clearer than before. Like he gave no chance to Hanamichi to acted clueless. 

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

“Finally, I can get rid of you.”

Hanamichi grabbed the Pocky fast before raised himself up to walk to the cashier. Meanwhile, Rukawa followed him from behind. Once he settled the payment, Hanamichi went outside quickly. He didn’t know what to do, so he let his feet roaming around on its own. Still, Rukawa sticked close to him. 

“Oy.”

“What?”

“Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do’aho. Let’s talk.”

Oddly, he stopped. He should not be this obedient. Especially to Rukawa, but still, he stopped. He even turned his body to face him, “What?”

Rukawa put both of his hands inside his sweater’s pocket. Looking aloof as always. Hanamichi hated how he looked so unaffected when he’s clearly not. 

Damn. He should be okay. He shouldn’t be this shook over something that he knew since the beginning. The camp only lasted for two weeks. Nothing was surprising about Rukawa returning to Shohoku. Nothing. But why? Why he couldn’t laugh it off? Laugh, now. Laugh, before he realized how weak-

“Follow me with your life.”

That stupid words again. It’s coming bac-

Wait. Rukawa did just say that. 

“Huh?”

“Don’t think too much. Just finish the treatment.”

It was so insensitive and not at all comforting. But it’s so Rukawa that Hanamichi chuckled while shaking his head. As he’s glancing down to the ground, he laughed out loud before looking straight at him, “Of course, I would finish the treatment, dumbass! I’m Tensai, after all!”

Rukawa smirked before walking away, leaving Hanamichi, the patient he kidnapped from the Center, alone. 

Stood at the dimly empty road in the cold night, Hanamichi cursed under his breath, “Asshole.”

Of course, Rukawa would go to Kanagawa without saying goodbye. 

“Hope you back on the court soon, Red Head.”

“Be good, Sakuragi.”

Unlike Sendoh and Maki, friends from the other team, that actually cared enough to visit him for the last time. 

Stupid of him for thinking they’re friends now. 

“Ah, I almost forgot.” Sendoh zipped out his sport bag to taking out one thing that Hanamichi missed so much. A basketball. Surprised, he took the ball slowly like he couldn’t believe it’s real. Before he could say thank you, Sendoh talked again. “Rukawa asked me to give the ball to you. He said, you should train a bit before going back to Shohoku.”

Hanamichi blinked. Confused at the way Rukawa doing things. God dammit, he could give the ball to Hanamichi yesterday...

“You forgot one thing, Sendoh.” said Maki, out-of-sudden.

What more did he say?  

“Ah, you’re right!”

Quick, Sendoh! 

 “He also asked you to stop being an idiot.”

Wow. What a way to destroy their almost new-founded friendship. 

“Jerk.” Maki and Sendoh laughed out loud while Hanamichi starting to talk bad about Rukawa non-stop. But deep down, he knew he was grateful for his ultimate rival.

Until later, stupid Kitsune!

Chapter Text

“How do you know my home?”

Kaede knew Sakuragi was an absolute Do’aho. What he didn’t know that his stupidity could hand-in-hand with the acts of crime. How could he track Kaede’s house when he himself never told a soul about its location?

“I’m Tensai! Of course, I can find your address easily!” Sakuragi was grinning from ear-to-ear like the explanation answered everything. He looked so proud that even Kaede felt bad for having a thought to call police on him. If only Kaede wasn’t so surprised with his unexpected visit, he probably had done it. No, he must have done it if only the memories of their time in Hiroshima didn’t slip into his mind.

Did Sakuragi think they’re friends now? Or at least, considered Kaede as someone he tolerates enough to talk with?

Kaede kept thinking every possible reason over this unlikely event when out-of-sudden Hanamichi threw a basketball towards him. Blessed his fast reaction due to years of excelling in basketball, Kaede caught the ball and saved himself from unnecessary pain on the stomach. He just got dinner, god dammit. Kaede almost wanted to throw the ball back out of revenge when he saw Sakuragi gave him a hawk eyes.

Of course, he came to challenged him. “You won’t win against me.” 

He might not be an expert on injured matter. However, he knew a three months absence from basketball wouldn’t do good for any players’ performance. Even the professional ones. Now, a novice like Sakuragi wanted to attempt a one on one match with him right after he recovered? 

Total Do’aho moves. 

Kaede knew he should reject the match offer. To save his time from performing a worthless duel. But, the forced smile on Sakuragi’s face did something weird on his stomach. Did the ball actually hit him on the stomach? No, it didn’t. He’s getting more sure when what he felt on the stomach was spreading to his back and legs. It was so uncomfortable, Kaede wanted to kick Sakuragi on the ass for putting him in this condition.

Do’aho.

The fidgety feeling got worse when Sakuragi glanced down to the ground. Like a lost puppy on the street. Shit. Kaede loved puppies and hated people that kicked puppies. So… the plan to kick Sakuragi was out of the options… 

Why couldn't he just yell at him? Or called him names? Why did he have to look so pitiful again?

Yes, emphasized on again. 

Just to be clear, when they’re in Hiroshima, Kaede never had intentions to act nice to Sakuragi. Their meetings happened without any plans being made. At least, not from his side. Why would he when Sakuragi’s presence bothered him so much? If somebody asked why, he would shortly answer ‘annoying’. From his red hair to his horrible personality, Sakuragi was simply infuriating.

Well, until he found one thing that topped everything else in the list of why Sakuragi was irksome. The restless face he put on when he was in rehab. Each time Kaede saw it, he cursed to inanimate objects near him. To the sands, after he passed through frustrated Sakuragi on his morning run. To a beanpole outside the mini-market, when he peeked through the glasses wall and found Sakuragi stood unmoved with empty eyes in front of instant noodle racks. Bothered by what’s unusual in Sakuragi, Kaede decided to teased him until those unnecessary desperate looks were gone. 

At first, his All-Japan uniform did the deeds. Three times and it lost its power. Stepping the plan up, he purposefully came to the mini-market at the exact time Sakuragi did. It only succeeded two times.

But what pissed him off so much is when he aborted his perfect plan to bully Sakuragi in the Center once he heard the ugliest fake laughs from Sakuragi behind the wall of his room. It took one sleepless night that he realized that he was frustrated over Sakuragi being frustrated. The next day, he decided to take care of the problem straightforwardly. 

So, he approached him first. 

It was supposed to be one time. One time. Yet, the way Sakuragi’s expression gradually change into a less dreadful one each time he came around made Kaede keeps coming back. What at first felt like the last solution for protecting his sanity shifted, bit by bit, into the time he didn’t mind spending on his day. At least, Kaede knew how to tolerate Sakuragi at that time.

Sakuragi’s snorts caught Kaede’s attention. “Are you afraid, Kitsune?” 

Kaede looked at him once before letting himself saying the truth, “You’ll regret this.”

Sakuragi was bad.

Back then, he was bad because he knew nothing. Now, he was simply bad. 

Kaede wasn’t the type of person that likes to pitying someone. Yet, he couldn’t help but feeling uneasy at the boy in front of him now. Sakuragi was still getting the sense, but too bad, the body wasn’t doing the same. 

He didn’t like to admit it, but the only thing he could think of now is what a shame.

Sakuragi, despite his annoying personality, was indeed a great potential if being nurtured right. Everyone who’s wanting to have a career in sport would crave the natural athleticism he has. No one had denied that part of Sakuragi. Not even Kaede. He wouldn’t say it out loud, but being called as his rival by Sakuragi himself since the first time they met, Kaede always expect something out of him. He was actually waiting the day Sakuragi could be his equals, so finally they could compete for real.

But now, knowing what happened to his ability after three months rehabilitation, he wasn’t so sure it will happen soon. “Let’s stop, Do’aho.”

“One more time.” Hanamichi was dribbling the ball while running towards the rink. Meanwhile, Kaede only stood there, not bothered to make any defense. It only took seconds before he heard a loud thump behind him. He turned his body to see the ball was still bouncing in the air. Under the rink, he saw Sakuragi was breathing heavily with his eyebrows knitted into one, “ARE YOU UNDERESTIMATING ME?!”

Feeling annoyed by Sakuragi’s childish act, he clicked his tongue out of displeasure. 

Sakuragi walked towards him fast and grabbed on Kaede’s shirt, “WHY ARE YOU IGNORING ME?!”

What kind of stupid question was that? The answer was obvious. Because the match was not worth the shot. Kaede knew Sakuragi understood that as well. The miserable expression on his face proved Kaede enough. 

“You know why.” Hating those look on Sakuragi, he walked out of the park with his head hung on the ground. 

Not that it mattered, but Kaede expected to see Sakuragi in school today. But, no, just like three months ago, he wasn’t there. Part of him was relieved as last night’s event was still buggering his mind in a way he didn’t know how to explain. Except for its unhealthy tendency because it took him forty-five minutes to go to sleep when usually it takes less than five. On the other hand, part of him, which unfortunately the much bigger one, felt restless. 

Restless over what, he didn’t know. What he knew it wasn’t out of guilt. Okay, it’s more correct to saying it supposed to be not out of guilt. Because he didn’t make a mistake last night. Sakuragi wasn’t ready yet and to walked out of that match was a wise thing to do. But why… why it bothered him so much that the reason behind Sakuragi wasn’t in class probably him? 

“Do’aho.” Kaede cursed under his breath. 

It was the third time since the lunch break that he was walking back to back in the corridor of First Years level. Not only the action was stupid, but the reason behinds it was too. Each time he passed the Class 7, his eyes would automatically direct to the small gaps between the slightly opened door just to find a sight of red. Of course, every attempt wasn't successful. 

Right after he turned his body for the fourth time, one of Sakuragi’s friend startled him.

“Kit- No, Rukawa-kun? Can you tell me why you keep checking our class?” 

Whoever this black hair’s boy name is, Kaede decided he doesn’t like him. First, he smiled too wide for Kaede’s comfort. “Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

Second, he put too much pomade on his hair. “Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

Third, he’s such a busybody that didn’t know what ‘nothing’ means.

“Nothing.”

“Really? Nothing?”

And lastly, just like Sakuragi, he’s annoying. 

“Yes. Nothing.” Kaede put both of his hand to his pant’s pocket before walked pass the brat. 

Fuck. The stair on the rooftop was in the opposite. Should he-

“If you’re looking for Hanamichi, he’s at Anzai-Sensei’s house.” This time, Kaede was the one that being passed by. Surprised, Kaede squinted his eyes. “Oy-”

With his back on Kaede, the brat said, “Mito. Call me Mito.” while walking towards Class 7. 

“Ah.“ He stopped mid-way before facing him. “You’re welcome, Rukawa-kun.” He winked at Kaede before disappeared from the corridor. 

“You’re welcome, my ass,” muttered Kaede before, once again, turned his body around to walk to the rooftop.

He needed sleep. 

Kaede knew what he wanted to be since he was a child. A great professional basketball player in NBA. That was why to go aboard to America was important. But he knew, to be able to do that, there were steps he had to walked on first. One of it was to be the best high school basketball player in Japan. Okay, that was Anzai-Sensei’s suggestion, but still, it already becomes one of the steps that he finally acknowledged. 

Knowing his purpose in life made Kaede strict with this matter. His determination could be seen by the fact he never skipped a day on his basketball club activities. 

But here he was, skipped one and standing outside the traditional Japan house he once visited instead. 

“It’s all your fault, Do’aho.” As he watched the bell that waiting to be rung. 

He bet he was standing in silence way too long when suddenly, without pushing the bell, someone opened the gate. The middle-aged woman in flowery pattern Kimono smiled at him. “Oh, Rukawa-kun?”

“Good afternoon, Madam. I’m sorry to bother you. Can I speak to Anzai-Sensei?” 

The smile on her face got wider, “Come inside, Rukawa-kun. He’s with Sakuragi-kun at the back garden. Come, come.”

Kaede followed Madam from behind as she was leading the way to the garden. It only took two minutes before the peaceful atmosphere around the house was torn by the familiar loud voice he used to avoid before. Just to hear that voice, Kaede realized the uneasiness inside his heart started to fade away. But only when he finally could see Sakuragi, it was gone completely. 

Do’aho. 

“Rukawa-kun?” Kaede turned his head around to see over his shoulder that Anzai-Sensei was approaching him. Quickly, he turned around to bent politely, “Anzai-Sensei. I’m sorry to bother you.”

“Ho, ho, ho. Did you tell Miyagi-kun you’re here?”

He straightened his body to look to Anzai-Sensei in the eyes. “No. Yes. I mean I asked the Captain for permission, but I didn’t tell him I’ll be here.”

“Ho, ho, ho. As long as your captain say okay.”

“He is.”

“Good.” Anzai-Sensei was staring at him for a while before asking, “Is it about America?”

Kaede shook his head. “I’m not the one that broke promise. I’ll be here until I won the title.”

The one that Sawakita got on last nationals, despite Shohoku beaten his team.

Anzai-Sensei raised his eyebrows, “So… Sakuragi-kun?”

The question surprised him too much that he glanced down to the wood floor instantly. 

“I’m happy.” Before Kaede could ask what Anzai-Sensei meant by that, he circled his hand on Kaede’s shoulder while walking him to the terrace. From where he stood, Sakuragi looked so focused while shooting the ball under the rink. No wonder he’s still oblivious with his presence. “Sakuragi-kun, Rukawa-kun is here to play with you. Ho, ho, ho.”

When the ball that got into the rink hit the ground, Sakuragi turned his head towards them. Although, for the first seconds, he looked dumbfounded, but it didn’t take much to change that. One word was enough. “Do’aho.”

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

See? Now, he’s more like him. An idiot brat. 

“Sakuragi-kun. Please, don’t use bad words.” Madam, with a tray full of traditional food and snacks, came towards them. She put the tray at the wood floor before sitting on the edge of the terrace. Like an unspoken request, Anzai-Sensei followed her. He casually took the white Mochi from the plate while munching it happily. 

“Rukawa-kun, sit beside me,” told Anzai-Sensei to him. 

“I-”

“Just sit.”

Carefully, he placed himself beside Anzai-Sensei. Meanwhile, Hanamichi hung his head down to avoiding their stares. 

“Sakuragi-kun. Come here. Sit with us.” Madam waved her hands toward Sakurgi who’s only peeking at Madam before glancing down to the ground once again. 

“Sakuragi-kun.” 

He muttered, “I don’t want to sit with him.”

“Hana.” 

Was that Sakuragi’s first name Madam called him? Kaede took a glance at Madam’s gentle face before shifting his gaze to Sakuragi who’s now look less tensed. Kaede didn’t know what’s more surprising? The unexpected closeness between Sakuragi and Anzai-Sensei’s wife or the current event he’s being served now.

Sakuragi, without debating, approached to the empty side of Madam just to sit in silence. He even let Madam stroked his messy yet slightly longer red hair. “Do you want tea? I’ll pour one for you.” 

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Rukawa-kun, do you want one?”

He nodded with an aloof face. Why everything felt so confusing?

“Take some rest, Sakuragi-kun,” said Anzai-Sensei when Sakuragi sipped the tea, “After that, I want to talk to you. You too, Rukawa-kun.”

Out of curiosity, Kaede searched Sakuragi’s eyes to find answers. But, when their eyes glued at one another, he knew Sakuragi was also as clueless as him.

Anzai-Sensei left both of them in the office. He went out of the room right after he played the match video between Shohoku and Sannoh without any explanation. Still clueless of what’s going on, neither of them was opening conversation. 

That, or they just didn’t know what to talk about. It was funny when actually there were so many things they could discuss. Last night’s match, Sakuragi’s act of missing school, Kaede’s curiosity over Sakuragi and Anzai-Sensei’s family, and this . Especially, this .

Well, fuck it. 

“Have any clue why we have to watch this together?”

“Do I look like someone that understand the Old Man?”

“No.”

“Then, shut up.”

Kaede raised his eyebrows, “Never know you can be this obedient.”

Sakuragi sighed while still staring straight at the screen, “Everyone would when you owe someone too much.”

He tilted his head towards Sakuragi while processing what he just had said, “What do you mean by that?”

“Since when you talked so much, Kitsune?” Sakuragi wasn’t moving his head, only looking at him from the corner of his eyes. Displeased by the accusation, he rolled his eyes. Soon, he crossed his legs to put his right elbow to his thigh. His body bent forward as he rested his chin on his opened palm. After cursing internally at Sakuragi for multiple times, Kaede finally could concentrate on the moving picture in the screen. 

It was almost at the end of the video when Kaede realized that only in this match Sakuragi really passed the ball to him. Before Sannoh, he only passed to him on accident. He wanted to comment on that. But, the way Sakuragi clenched his hand into a fist was giving him a hint that to bring the topic up wasn’t a good idea.

Was it humiliating for Sakuragi for getting help from Kaede? 

Weird. If only he passed him the ball since the beginning, Shohoku would definitely be in less risky situations. 

Do’aho.

However, the last moment of the video startled him too much that he stopped complaining internally. 

What did he think when he passed the ball to Sakuragi at that last seconds? They could have lost if he messed up… But still, the fact remained, he did pass the ball to Sakuragi…

Out of what? Trust? Tch. 

Unknowingly, he snorted to his own thoughts. Too loud, it seemed, because Sakuragi was glaring at him now.

“What?” 

“I was the one that shot the winning point.”

“So what? I made half of those 89 points happened.”

Sakuragi gripped his clenched hand even harder before unclutching it. The way he stared at him in death silence was almost frightening. Kaede slowly could feel shivers run on his back until Sakuragi’s dumb face was back, “Stupid Kitsune. Only a Tensai could make the winning point. That means I’m the Tensai!”

And he laughed. So loud, Kaede wanted to hit him on the head. Maybe, he really should.

Before he raised his arm up, Anzai-Sensei opened the sliding door. He smiled while turning the light on, “So, did you two get it?”

“Get what, Old Man?”

“No? How about you, Rukawa-kun?”

Despite knowing what might be the answer, he shook his head. 

Anzai-Sensei smiled. “Simple. I just want to make the two of you become the best partners in Japan High School Basketball.”

They walked side by side on their way to the train station. There was a pregnant silence between them and neither wanted to break it off. Because they knew both were thinking about the same thing. 

Being the best basketball partners, huh?

To tell the truth, everything Couch Anzai said was true. If they could unite as partners on court, Shohoku would become a better team than before for sure. Not to mention, as Gor-  no, Captain Akagi was out of the team, Shohoku needed to have another tactic to winning Winter Tryout. 

From the corner of his eyes, Kaede watched Sakuragi.

He was a reasonable choice of partner. At least, in the sense of balancing Kaede’s dynamic style of play. With his rebound skills that are almost in the same level as Captain Akagi and his run that is as fast as Kaede, they could be forming a quick offense strategy that wasn’t neglecting the defense. Kaede hated to admit this, but he was indeed his perfect partner. 

But then again, Sakuragi wasn’t Sakuragi in Sannoh match anymore. There was less than two months away from the competition. The duration was too short to expect Sakuragi to get his ability back.  Shit. If only he wasn’t a novice in the high school. He could quickly pick up what he had lost like Mitsui-Senpai did. 

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“Kitsune, you’re not my friend.”

He stopped walking and blinked. Sakuragi did the same thing while staring at him with a teasing smile, “Don’t tell me you think we’re friends.”

“No. Of course not.”

A glitch of sadness passed through Sakuragi’s eyes. Kaede cursed internally for not understanding what Sakuragi wanted out of him. What the fuck. Did or did you not think we’re friends, Do’aho?

“Good to know we have the same opinion on that.”

Tch, whatever. “I really don’t understand you.”

“You don’t have to. Anyway, what I actually want to ask is if you want to be partnered with me or not?”

Kaede hissed. He didn’t expect it would be this straightforward. Blamed his unprepared self, he didn’t answer the question. 

Sakuragi sighed and repeated his words again.

Cornered, he spoke without really thinking, “Can you?”

He was sure Sakuragi would be yelling at him. 

But no, the yelling wasn’t coming. Instead of that, it was the rare quietness they had in Hiroshima who’s visiting the surrounding air. The one where Sakuragi once-in-a-while opened up and Kaede comforted him by not saying sarcastic remarks. Kaede almost wanted to apologize for breaking the unspoken rules between them when Sakuragi talked again, “Can you trust me?” 

Kaede gulped in nervous. Meanwhile, Sakuragi looked down to the concrete road. “I know I lost lots of my strength. It’s just that what the Old Man said sound right...  I mean we can kick many asses by partnering together. But, I don’t want to do it if you don’t want it. But if you want, I will become the partner you need. I’ll make sure I can.”

He didn’t believe all those words were coming out from the same person that used to bother him for the sake of bothering him. Was this really Sakuragi Hanamichi?

“Kitsune, be my partner?”

Rukawa looked at him one more time. Best partners in Japan High School Basketball, huh? Tch. Who was Anzai-Sensei kidding? Of course, he could do it. Even with Sakuragi, the absolute Do-aho. It was, after all, only another additional step into Kaede’s journey in achieving his real dream.

Wait for me, America. 

He smirked, “Let’s do it, Do’aho.”

Chapter Text

“Ki-Kitsune.” His heavy breathing was the only thing he could sense now. 

Sprawled out on the floor, his vision filled with the blurry sight of the gym ceiling lights. He couldn’t even feel the back of his body touching the wood floor. Oh, fuck.

“Let’s stop.” Hanamichi closed his eyes in surrender.

It’s been two weeks since they’re doing the special training the Old Man prepared. Two hours after practice with one-day off each week. Meant it took only twelve days for him to call a retreat. 

He could do better than this. Damn, he even started to get a hang on his old self too. 

While cursing internally, Hanamichi remembered what the Short Hair doctor said, “Sakuragi-kun, to feel pain is normal, but feel nothing isn’t. Remember that.”

Stupid, stupid spine. 

“Tomorrow, then,” said Rukawa strictly. 

Hanamichi opened his eyes slowly as Rukawa’s footsteps echoed around the room. He couldn’t see clearly, but from the corner of his eye, he knew the man had just get out from the gym, leaving him alone without asking if Hanamichi required help or not.

Cold-hearted bastard. 

The loud thump of the gym’s iron door being closed was the last signal he needed.

Exhausted, he closed his eyes again while sighing hard, “It’s okay. Just sleep. Yohei will search and come for you.”

It took minutes of breathing exercise before Hanamichi let the sleep owned him. 

It was the sound of a fan swinging beside him that woke him up. Hanamichi blinked multiple times until he could see the ceiling of his house welcomed him vividly. Slowly, he tried to move his limbs. Started from his hands and feet in rotate motion. Good. Although tensed, he could feel the movement. Okay, how about raised it up?

He groaned in pain, “Fuck, not yet.” 

Frustrated, he plopped his half-raised arms to the floor. He tried once again but failed miserably. Hanamichi huffed in disappointment. 

“Okay, okay. I get it. Promise me, you’ll be good in the next hour, “spoke Hanamichi to no one, but his own body like they’re separated living beings. He chuckled at his own silly acts. Yet, chose to continue. As he stared at his house ceiling, he talked again, “I’ve been neglecting you for too long, huh? Sorry. Too busy to take care of that stupid Kitsune. If you want to blame someone for putting you in pain, it’s him. Not me. Totally not me! Anyway, when did Yohei pick me up?”

The sound of the door creaking told Hanamichi he will get the answer soon. 

“Oy, Hanamichi! Who are you talking to?” 

“Yohei. What time did you picked me up?”

“Eight. You’re totally out yesterday! I thought you’re dead, asshole!”

“Tensai isn’t easy to die.”

Yohei clicked his tongue out, like he annoyed at Hanamichi’s great joke. “It’s not funny.”

“It is. Do you bring food?”

“Since when you’re talking to yourself?”

“Not myself. My body.”

“Okay… Let me repeat the question. Since when you speak to your body?”

“Since I know they’re important.” Hanamichi smiled. “Oy, stand beside me. I can’t see you.”

Yohei sighed, but Hanamichi knew he’s walking towards him. He smirked once Yohei’s worried face get into his sight, “I’m okay.” 

“Says someone who can’t walk on his own.”

“Yet.”

Yohei rolled his eyes before sat beside his futon. “Tell me. Are you really recovered?”

Hanamichi eyed him disinterestedly. 

“Answer me.” as he glared at him, saying he took no non-sense explanation at the moment. Damn Yohei and his intuition. 

“The short hair woman told me it’s okay to go back to school.”

“How about club activities?”

“Isn’t club part of school too?”

Yohei clenched his hand, “You- You’re not recovered yet, aren’t you?”

Hanamichi shrugged. Yes, he could already move his shoulder. “I know my own body. Medical report isn’t for me.”

“Hanamichi, don’t be stupid… Does Anzai-Sensei knows?”

That was shutting his mouth. “I can’t tell him.”

“He won’t like this, Hanamichi.” 

They looked at one another for a moment before Yohei put his hand on his pocket to taking out his phone. Hanamichi wanted to stop him, but Yohei’s hand and his own arms blocked him from doing that. Abruptly, he said, “Don’t. Just don’t. He looked very happy when I visited him to play basketball.”

Yohei squinted his eyes, “He won’t when he knows you’re wasting the treatment! He paid for it! He has a right to know!”

“I know. I know. Just not now. I’ll be more careful next time.” Surprisingly, Hanamichi was able to reach the hem of Yohei’s gokuran. “Please.”

Meanwhile, Yohei stared at him in disbelieve, “When?”

“Soon.”

“How soon?”

“After the practice match with Ryonan. I promised.”

Yohei sighed, “You won’t make it, asshole.”

“I will.”

“I hate you.”

“Nah, you love me.”

Yohei gritted his teeth before he raised himself up to go to the kitchen. Hanamichi turned his head to the side while looking at his best friend who was now cooking an instant ramen. He chuckled, “You love me enough to feed this Tensai.”

“Tensai, my ass.”

“Why didn’t you come yesterday?” Hanamichi looked up when the evening light in the rooftop was being foreshadowed by the big figure in front of him. With both hands on his pocket, Rukawa glared at him in cold eyes. “Do you think you’re good enough now that you can skip practice?”

Oh, how he wanted to punch Rukawa. 

“I forgot,” replied Hanamichi nonchalantly as he’s avoiding saying the truth. 

Rukawa stared at him like Hanamichi was his research subject. The air around them felt too intense and Hanamichi hated it. Did he see through his lies? 

Hanamichi was too immersed with his own thoughts when Rukawa clicked his tongue, “Don’t you dare skip practice today.”

Feeling relieved, he accepted the order without debating, “I won’t.”

He thought Rukawa would turn back to walking out from the rooftop. Instead of that, he placed himself besides Hanamichi. Without looking at him, he pulled out flattened bread looks like a sandwich out of his pocket. He handed what seemed inedible anymore to him, “Tuna.”

Hanamichi blinked. 

“Just take it.” Rukawa shoved the so-called Tuna sandwich into Hanamichi’s hand. 

Scoffed, Hanamichi unwrapped the plastic. He took the first bite while watching Rukawa in secret. Was this an offer to once again rekindled their almost friendship? 

Or maybe, an apology for left him behind two days ago? 

“Kitsune, why are you being kind to me again?” 

Rukawa glanced at him with the corner of his right eye. He said nothing until Hanamichi finished all the sandwich, “I bought it last night. Don’t want it to be a waste.” 

What did he say?

“IT WASN’T ROTTEN, RIGHT?!”

Rukawa shrugged, “Dunno,” as he laid his body to the side on the floor, purposefully giving his back to the still horrified Hanamichi.  

Ayako giggled as she’s standing beside Hanamichi, who’s now doing his dribble training. Hanamichi stared at her weirdly, “Ayako-san, are you sooooo happy that you teach this Tensai again?”

His question shifted her mood so easy, she slapped him with a big fan, “Don’t talk big!”

“OW, AYAKO-SAN!” as he put both of his hands to the top of his head. The ball slipped through his hand and rolling into the court. When he glared at Ayako, somebody approached them, “Do’aho, concentrate.”

Rukawa threw the ball towards him before running into the court again to join the practice match between the First Year and Second-Third Year. Hanamichi scowled while mimicking his words, “Do’aho, concentrate. Cih.”

Despite his annoyance, he went back to dribbling the ball. Once he got into the flow, Ayako, once again, laughed. This time, it’s not giggling, but laughing out loud. Hanamichi sighed and hugged the ball to his chest before put his attention to her, “Ayako-san, are you sick?”

She smiled, “No… Just finding your friendship with Rukawa-kun funny.”

“Hah?” He bet his mouth was gapping big.

“Yeah. He keeps looking at you. He even had a bad mood when you weren’t here yesterday.” Ayako stuck out her tongue at Rukawa when he’s running to the opposite ends of the court glaring at her. “He won’t go anywhere, Rukawa-kun!” 

Rukawa ran faster while dribbling the ball to the rink. He passed the ball to Kuwata while frowning. Kuwata was throwing the ball in perfect curved into the rink and scored three point for the First Year team. What Hanamichi wanted to do is to celebrating with his First Year teammates, but instead of that, his eyes glued to Rukawa who’s also staring back at him.

The fuck?

Shivered running down his spine as he shook his head. Unknowingly, Sakuragi mumbled, “We’re not friends. We’re not friends. We’re not fri-”

“Hehhh? He waited for you until late night yesterday! A not friend wasn’t going to do that!”

What?

Before Hanamichi could ask more about it, Rukawa pulled his arm towards him and instantly, he’s standing inside the court. “Oy-”

“Kuwata, let Do’aho sub you.”

Kuwata’s cheerful ‘okay’ was easily forgotten as Rukawa shoved him into the right High Post of their area. At the opposite of the High Post, Rukawa, without looking at him, said, “Don’t mess up, Do’aho.”

He snorted, “Says that to your face, Kistune.”

With Ayako cheered for them and Ryo-chin’s protested voices at Ayako, Rukawa stole the ball from Mitchi. Hanamichi was running fast to the defensive area of Second-Third Year area and jumped high. Before he knew it, a ball had settled on his open palm and easily, he put the ball into the rink.

Once he landed to the floor, he turned back to smirking at Rukawa, “Nice pass.”

Rukawa smirked back, “I know.”

Hanamichi shook his head in disbelief at how snob Rukawa could be. While running behind Rukawa, he glanced down to his open palm before clenched it hard. 

He smiled. Ah, he didn’t want this moment to ends. 

Chapter Text

What in the world was that?

Kaede swam back into awareness, finally sensing a sticky heavy thing pressed hard into his body. Groaning, Kaede opened his eyes to be welcome by the sight of Sakuragi splayed on top of him. 

Unmoved and unconscious.

“Sakuragi-kun!” The captain’s little sister, with a first aid box, was running towards them. Kaede could see tears at the edge of her eyes. In one swift moment, everyone were surrounding them. He could hear Miyagi-Senpai was shouting hard to the crowd while asking to give them space. Meanwhile, Sendoh was helping Akagi to laid Sakuragi on his stomach to the wood floor.

Faintly, he could hear Sendoh asked, “Sakuragi, do you hear me?” 

What the hell just happened?

Kaede glanced up to peeking through the gaps between people. In order to check the score board between Shohoku and Ryonan that located at the corner of the room.

 78-77. They won. 

They won with the last point he scored from the ball that Sakuragi saved. From what he remembered, everything was fine at the last ten seconds of this match practice. All of his teammates ran in synchronized moved. Miyagi-Senpai was the one that bringing the ball to Ryonan’s side. He passed it into Kawata who stood at the left Wing side of the court. Kaede knew the ball wouldn’t get in, so he ran under the rink to get the rebound. Yet, once he got there, Sakuragi already jumped. So, he waited under the rink to get the ball he knew he would get. 

And yes, Sakuragi saved it for him. He passed it to Kaede while he’s still in the air. Kaede shot the ball, but the next thing he knew, Sakuragi fell onto him. 

The ball got in and Shohoku won.

And that’s all what mattered right?

But no, Kaede didn’t want this. What he wanted is those loud obnoxious laugh from his partner saying they won because of his geniuses instead of this. 

“Sakuragi-Senpai moves!”

“Give Hanamichi space, god dammit!” 

“Sakuragi-kun!”

Kaede closed his eyes as the event was getting into his nerve.

Do’aho, what the fuck?

Kaede was sitting outside the infirmary room of Ryonan’s school alone. In secret, as no one allowed visiting Sakuragi at the moment. If only Ayako-san didn’t help him to trespass the Shohoku’s Second-Third Year fortress, he wouldn’t be able to do this. 

He didn’t know what he wanted out of this act. One thing for sure, he just wanted an explanation. God had been good to him because it didn’t need a long time for him to get it.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Despite Anzai-Sensei’s gentle voice, Kaede knew it sounded off. 

After minutes of silence, Kaede knew Sakuragi was acting difficult. Kaede gritted his teeth out of annoyance. He wanted to barge into the room so bad. So freaking bad, the only thing he could imagine is pulling Sakuragi’s shirt hard until he answers Anzai-Sensei.

Freeing him from this silly ignorance. 

“I called Sakura-san. She said you’re not ready yet. You’re healed, but forbidden to do club activities. She told me she entrusted you a letter with recommendation training sets that lasted for two months. Why didn’t give me that? Is it wrong for me to trust you, Sakuragi-kun?”

“I-”

“I trusted you enough that I didn’t even ask you about the permission letter from your doctor.”

Kaede hissed from Anzai-Sensei’s calm yet frightening voice. 

“Ah. It’s not me that doesn’t trust you. It’s you. Do you not trust me, Sakuragi-kun?”

Out-of-sudden, the silence was broken by the loud thump of someone punching solid matter. Wall? Bed frame? He didn’t know. It didn’t matter as Sakuragi’s shouting became the only thing he could hear.

“I TRUST YOU, OLD MAN! I OWN YOU WITH MY LIFE! I JUST-”

Kaede glanced down to the floor when he realized Sakuragi was crying. Unknowingly, he fiddled his fingers to calming whatever discomforting feeling that drowning him now. 

“Just what?”

“-want to play. I- I want to play. I don’t wa-want to lose bas-basketball anymore.”

After that, Sakuragi was only sobbing. Even Anzai-Sensei wasn’t saying anything. In the middle of processing what just happened, someone kicked the side of his body. He turned to see the culprit. 

Sendoh.

They stared at each other for a while until Sendoh gestured to him to follow him with a small swift move from his head. At first, he didn’t react, but once Sendoh repeated the move, Kaede raised himself up.

Sendoh-Senpai walked beside him, providing him the quietness Kaede appreciated. At the end of the corridor, he stopped Kaede by touching his shoulder. Kaede looked at him over the shoulder, “What?”

“You two are great partners.” Sendoh-senpai smiled before walking away.

He followed his opponent’s movement with his eyes until Sendoh’s figure out of his sight. Under his breath, he muttered, “Great? I don’t even know his condition.” 

Feeling out-of-place, he punched the air, “Fucking Do’aho!”

The next day, Sakuragi wasn’t in practice. Nor did Anzai-Sensei. Less than twenty days before the Winter Tryout, and Kaede lost his partner. 

Tch. 

He snorted. Partner? What kind of partner that didn’t trust him enough to tell him what’s important? 

Sure, they’re not friends. But, it didn’t mean Kaede had no rights to know the truth. What a fucking idiot, that Do’aho. 

“Rukawa-kun?” He glanced to the source of voice beside him. Akagi, with worried face, looking at him with expectation. 

“What?”

“Do- Do you know how’s Sakuragi-kun now?”

Nothing was wrong with the question. No. Akagi even asked him very politely. But, he also couldn’t find the reasons why the question didn’t feel right too. Did it because he supposed to know the answer, but somehow didn’t? 

“I don’t know. Ask Ayako-san.” Kaede stepped into the court, running towards Miyagi-Senpai who’s now having a one-on-one match with Mistui-Senpai. Despite knowing, it’s unnecessary, he stole the ball from Miyagi-senpai. Both of his seniors protested at him. Called him a brat from behind. But when he successfully dunked the ball, he unconsciously turned around. Not to showed off, but to searching the familiar sight of red hair that usually ready to kicked him in the ass out of spite. 

But it wasn’t happening. So, he cursed. Out loud that even his two seniors stopped bothering him. Instead, they ruffled his hair in a supportive manner.

“Oy, just go home.”

“Yeah, you’re not you.”

Kaede said nothing.

“He’ll be fine.”

Would he?

“Just be patient.”

Be patient, huh? 

He bit his lips, knowing if he didn’t he might speak something he would regret. Realizing Kaede wasn’t himself, Mitsui-Senpai circled his arms to walking him out of the gym.

“Don’t be scared, brat. That idiot partner of yours will be back in no time.”

Fuck, he really wished he would. 

Kaede hated it. He hated how Sakuragi went back to school, laughing with his gang like he didn’t own him a talk. More than that, he hated that he knew he’s back from watching him walking in the corridor of First Years level from the rooftop.

Fucking Do’aho.

He clicked his tongue before turning around to slide himself to the floor. Leaning his back to the nearest wall. He was staring at nothing in particular for what felt like a long time until somebody shouted at him, “Oy, Kitsune!”

Slowly, he let his eyes moved to the familiar voice that distracted him from his personal world. The exact person who had been messing his mind for one full week. Kaede almost wanted to ask his condition when the presence of Sakuragi’s gang discouraged him. 

Of course, he came not because he wanted to talk to him.  

“I’m here first. Go away.” Kaede turned his head to the side, ignoring Sakuragi’s questioning expression. 

“Ah, Rukawa-kun?” An annoying brat with too much pomade popped his head out behind Sakuragi.

“Tch.”

It didn’t surprise him when his rejection was being laughed at by the obnoxious gang. What he’d not expected was Sakuragi didn’t join them. How could he notice that without looking at him? He had no idea.

Faintly, he could hear Hanamichi talked to his friends.

“I want to talk to him alone.”

“But we want to play with Rukawa-kun too!” 

“Shut up, Nozomi. Go ahead, we’ll wait in the canteen.”

“I’ll be quick. Thanks, Yohei.”

Kaede kept putting his act. He didn’t even move an inch when Sakuragi’s footsteps was getting closer to him. It was only until Sakuragi purposefully sat at the place where his sight could reach, Kaede snorted. “Can walk now?”

Sakuragi scoffed, “Can’t you see?”

He rolled his eyes before leaning his body even more to the wall, without breaking their stares. “Where have you been?”

Sakuragi smirked, “You care?”

“Just answer me.”

He chuckled while moving closer to Kaede. Sakuragi settled beside him, almost copying his pose in perfect replica. The difference was only the way their positioned their legs. Kaede bent his knees, meanwhile Sakuragi stretched out his legs on the floor. Unable to hide his curiosity anymore, Kaede slapped Sakuragi’s thigh, “Answer me, asshole.”

Sakuragi was smiling before looking up to the sky, “Back to Hiroshima with Old Man. Took some tests to know how much damage I made. Before you asked, not that much.”

“Define not that much.”

“Hmmm, from two months recovery training to two and half months. Not bad, right?”

Kaede blinked once before pretending that the good news didn’t affect him, “Good. You’re ready for Summer Competition, then.”

Hanamichi tilted his head, “You’ll wait for me?”

He snorted, “No. But I can’t wait to kick some asses with our attack.”

His replied made Sakuragi laughed out loud. Meanwhile Kaede rolled his eyes. When the laugh was gradually fade away, Sakuragi spoke again, “We work great as partners.”

Sendoh’s words came into his mind. 

“Yeah. Yeah, we are.”

For one moment they’re genuinely smiling at each other until Sakuragi bumped his left shoulder with his own. “I’m not allowed to be in the gym for some time. I’ll be at Old Man’s house to do those recovery training. Will you-”

Kaede raised his eyebrows, letting his attention being controlled by what Sakuragi reluctant to say. 

“Hahhh, fuck it. Visit me sometimes.” 

He was too surprised with Sakuragi’s determined expression that he said nothing. 

“Oy, don’t be an asshole now. I’m asking you.” His lips formed what could be considered as pouting. Why in the world he acted like a petulant child now?

Absolute Do’aho.

“If I’m not busy.”

“Cih.”

They were sighing hard at the same time while avoiding each other knowing look. Of course, Kaede would visit him. It was Sakuragi that broke the awkward atmosphere, “Ayako-san said you’re missing me.”

“As if.”

“Be more honest, jerk. You. Miss. Me. The Tensai of Shohoku!”

“Shut up,” muttered Kaede while processing the sudden urge inside him to hide his face at the moment. 

“Kitsune! Your ears are red! I can’t believe you can be cute too! Don’t be shy nowww~ Tell me, do you miss me?”

Kaede groaned in frustration. Meanwhile, Sakuragi, once again, laughed out loud. He circled his arms around Kaede. 

“You know what? If you don’t want to admit it, then I will. I miss you.” 

Damn right, Sakuragi had to. If not, Kaede would shave his own hair because no fucking way he’s the only one that missing them together.

Playing basketball together. That’s what he meant. 

“Say it back to me.”

Frowning, Kaede asked, “Why should I?”

“Cih, just say it.” 

He sighed, too tired to playing this stupid game anymore, “Yeah, yeah, me too.”

Sakuragi grinned while ruffling his hair,“Cute, cute Kitsune.”

He tried his best to get out of Sakuragi’s strong grip on his forearm, “Get off from me.”

“You’re not cute anymore.”

“I don’t care.”

Sakuragi clicked his tongue before unexpectedly placed his head on Kaede’s shoulder. Still, with his arm around Kaede’s body.  

What the fuck?

Before he could complain, Sakuragi spoke first, “Promise me. You’ll wait.”

It was probably because of the gentle voice Sakuragi rarely used. Or the big sighed that came after the words. Kaede gave up his resistance and let himself as pillow for this stupid head. He wasn’t moving until realization that now, no matter how weird the situation was, felt so much better than the days when Sakuragi was out of his reach. 

For that, Kaede closed his eyes and let his bothered heart to be in peace again. He put his chin on top of Sakuragi’s head.

 “Hn.” 

Yes, this was so much better. 

Chapter Text

“Get in, get in, get in,” muttered Hanamichi as he’s watching the ball he just threw floating in the air. His cheering got louder when the ball touched the rink to playfully circling the iron frame. Once the ball got into the hole, he shouted ecstatically, “THREE POINTS FROM HANAMICHI SAKURAGI, THE TENSAI!”

In the middle of his self-celebratory party, sweet voices chuckled from behind, “Hana, you’re such a great player.”

Hanamichi turned around to found Ichika-san, The Old Man’s wife, stood on the terrace, holding an iced lemonade in her hands. She was smiling, “Here. You’ve worked hard,” as she placed herself to sit at the edge of that wood floor.

Out of love to the unexpected mother figure in his life, Hanamichi approached her with his biggest smile, “I know! Do you want to see another cool move, Ichika-san?”

She nodded while handing the drink to Hanamichi’s hand. He accepted it right away. As he drank all the content in one big gulp, Ichika-san was patting the empty place on her left side, asking Hanamichi to sit with her. “Only if you take rest for a while.”

Hanamichi pouted while gripping the now empty glass hard, “But, Old Man only gives me fifteen minutes to play…”

Ichika-san hummed like she’s thinking hard. He watched her out of curiosity, “Ichika-san?”

“Sensei isn’t here. You can play for another five minutes. It’ll be our secret, though. Now, sit.”

He grinned, “Okay, okay!”

Once he settled beside her, Hanamichi looked up at the sky while taking a deep breath. “Today will be snowing, Ichika-san.”

“You can smell it?”

“Yeah...” Hanamichi closed his eyes to indulge himself with his favorite natural odor. Winter always made him feel calm. Suddenly, a thought slipped his mind, “Do you think they will win?”

“You mean, Shohoku Team?”

He bobbed his head while glancing towards her, “Today is the first day of Winter Try-out.”

“Who’s their opponent?”

“Ryonan,” answered Hanamichi shortly, purposefully hid the small disappointment in his heart for not playing. He missed it. He missed competing so much.

Ichika-san stared at him before taking his hand to her, “They’ll win. Trust them.”

“I am.”

“Also, Rukawa-kun is there. He won’t let Shohoku lose.”

Hanamichi giggled, “If that Kitsune lose from Sendoh, I’ll laugh in front of his face. That will be funny.”

She frowned, “So, you’re okay if Shohoku loses?”

He blinked, “Of course not.”

Ichika-san shook his head, “Rukawa can lose, but not Shohoku, then?”

“Yeah! I mean, Sendoh can definitely kick his ass.”

She laughed, “Don’t you two partners?”

“We are. But, he’s also my rival. Partners or not, I still want to beat him. Myself, or with somebody’s help,” as he rubbed both of his palms, imagining the best scenario of Sendoh out-scored Rukawa in today’s match.

“You mean Sendoh-kun?”

“Yes, Ichika-san. He’s the perfect ally.”

She shook her head, “Hana, stop it. You’re being mean to Rukawa-kun.”

Hanamichi snorted, “He’s the mean one! Didn’t you remember how he acted to me two days ago?”

At the back of his head, that afternoon memories came back. Rukawa sat with him on the soil ground of the Old Man’s mini court. He panted heavily as he eyed Hanamichi in a brooding face. Clueless, Hanamichi called out his moody partner, “What’s wrong with the ugly face?”

“I find you infuriating.” His eyebrows almost knotted into one.

Hanamichi, though had a hard time breathing, shouted at him out of shock and annoyance, “I did nothing, though!”

In fact, he did spectacular that day. Not only did he complete all the recovery training sets perfectly. He also made the Old Man so satisfied with him that he let Hanamichi played with Rukawa for a while. Meant they were able to practice their duet routine they had been missing out for the last two weeks.

They missed it and Hanamichi knew, despite the aloof expression, Rukawa was ecstatic for it. He did look happy when they played. It was only after they’re done that he suddenly sulked.

Weird, weird Kitsune.

Rukawa scoffed, “I’m getting more annoyed.”

Hanamichi frowned, “Whatever. You’re not making any sense.”

He expected another insult from Rukawa. Yet, silence filled with tension was what he got. Confused, he waited for his foul mood partner to make the first move. So, he played with the ball in his hand to fritter the time away. He did almost everything to the ball. Low dribbled it. Rotated it on his finger. Even, counted the number of black lines the ball had. Anything. As long as he could ignore Rukawa’s confusing glares.

Not that he was afraid of Rukawa. Even with his back injury, Hanamichi believed they’re still able to fight equally. The problem wasn’t about physical ability. It was more about the lack of his intention. Since they’re partnering, Hanamichi weirdly lost his desire to beat Rukawa if not involving basketball matter. So, it was only natural for him to be more tolerable with Rukawa’s antics.

Outsiders would probably think Hanamichi is the most childish out of the two of them. As he was the one that usually easy to be triggered emotionally. But no, Rukawa was actually the more obnoxious kid than Hanamichi is. Because deep inside, Rukawa was one of those teenagers with a heavy emotional constipated issue that simply doesn’t know how to communicate well.

Hanamichi wasn’t saying he’s great at talking, but at least he has a good relationship with his feelings. He knew what makes him excited or upset most of the time. Especially after rehab as one of the agenda was to talk out his problem. Meanwhile, Rukawa was the total opposite.
He’s happy just because he’s happy. The same applied when he felt angry.

At first, Hanamichi was ignorant about that fact. That was probably the main reason, excluding Haruko’s matter, why they started so bad. But being forced to act civil to each other for the sake of this partnering made him sees the real Rukawa.

That was why he chose to be more patient now.

Only sometimes, Rukawa was so hard to read, it frustrated Hanamichi so much.

He sighed, “Kitsune, I give up. What the fuck is your problem, huh?”

Rukawa clicked his tongue, “Cih, I’m going home.”

Hanamichi rolled his eyes as he turned his head to the side, not wanted to taint his eyes with Rukawa’s unhelpful attitude.

“He went home alone when both of our houses were only two blocks away from each other. Why? Because with no reason, he’s mad at me and I still don’t know why! So, please, Ichika-san, don’t be fool by his calm act! I’m the better man than he is!”

Unknowingly, he sighed after he finished the statement.

Stupid, stupid Kitsune.

Meanwhile, Ichika-san stroked his back gently to calm him down. “Rukawa-kun has his reason. He’ll talk.”

“I bet he won’t. Not that I care he will talk or not.”

She chuckled, “Hana, just admit you care.”

Baffled, he was protesting to her, “Wh-What? I-I’m not!”

“Yes, you are.”

They stared at one another in long pregnant silence before Hanamichi gave up by plopping his upper half body to the wood floor in one swift move. Although whispered, he admitted, “Yeah, I care.”

“My boy has matured,” as she patted Hanamichi’s thigh.

He smiled, “Proud?”

“Very.”

“What are you doing here?” Hanamichi was standing beside Ichika-san who’s welcoming the Old Man home. However, his genuine curious question wasn’t for the Old Man, but the one behind him.

“None of your business.” It was still a mystery how Rukawa thought it’s a good move to answer Hanamichi spitefully while still bent politely to Ichika-san.

Such an asshole.

Hanamichi shrugged as he took the Old Man’s bag. Deciding to be the mature one between them in secret. On his way to the Old Man’s office, Hanamichi was being stopped by another unpredictable act from his annoying partner.

“Why are you following me?”

Rukawa who was now walking ahead of him muttered, “Again. None of your business.”

Hanamichi was so dumbfounded until he realized that Rukawa was also walking towards the office. He sighed tiredly. Okay, Hanamichi, just got into the office fast, put the bag into the usual space, and went out right away. Maybe he should skip dinner and go home instead. Once he got to his destination, Rukawa had been sitting in front of the TV.

Even without looking at the screen, Hanamichi knew he’s watching some records from a basketball match. Driven by curiosity, he invited himself to join Rukawa. Hanamichi knew Rukawa didn’t like his impulsiveness from the way he glared at him, but hell, what would go wrong when they’re already having a Cold War.

So, after he put the bag on top of the office desk, he dragged a chair to place it beside Rukawa. Once he settled, it took him less than five seconds to know it’s today’s match.

Maybe, it’s because he spent lots of time watching match records with the Old Man these days, but Hanamichi believed everyone played well today. Even though, the absence of Gori and him made Shohoku lack in defense. But with Shio-chan’s persistent energy, Mitchi’s killing sense of basketball, and Rukawa’s ability to play many positions, they’re actually head-to-head with Ryonan in saving rebounds. It’s a good thing The King of Apes didn’t play anymore. More than that, Ryo-chin’s aggressive attack made the match had a fast pace.

He chuckled, “Mitchi looks like he wants to die.”

“He’s filling your position. It’s a good thing Mitsui-Senpai taught Kuwata three-point shooting. If not, we’ll be doomed.”

Hanamichi raised his eyebrows, “Are you just talking to me?”

Rukawa ignored him again.

What a kid.

When his eyes directed to the screen again, Kuwata had just pointed three points. He was shouting, “Wohoooo! That’s my boy!!!”

But then, the next seconds, Sendoh did the same, “Fuuuckk! Oy, Kitsune,” he nudged Rukawa’s ribs and teasingly said, “You did such a shitty guarding.”

Beside him, Rukawa hissed, “Shut your mouth. You didn’t play.”

That, pushed Hanamichi’s ‘go to the hell, Kitsune’ button on, “What did you say?”

Rukawa clicked his tongue as he paused the video before turning his body towards Sakuragi. Faces inched from each other, “Shut your mouth. You. Didn’t. Play.”

His fist was already in the move. It was one second before it met with Rukawa’s jaw when he stopped.

Did we lose?

He gritted his teeth, repressing the anger that keeps boiling inside him. He needed to know the outcome first before handling this fucking brat.

“Continue.”
Rukawa’s eyes get bigger. He looked like he was startled by Hanamichi’s sudden change of mood. To not losing control, he put down his fist to crossed his arms to chest, gripping the meat of his forearm hard.

It took seconds before Rukawa stopped staring at him and leaned back to the chair again. Without exchanging words, they’re agreeing to not crossing each other’s line anymore. That meant one thing: nothing was allowed aside from breathing.

And Hanamichi was doing exactly that.

He stayed in silence, despite the fact he wanted to scream when Shohoku lost in the first half. He bit his lips into bleeding regardless of the familiar iron taste that killed his taste bud when he saw empty eyes on his all teammates in the last five minutes of the second half. Not only that, he didn’t even move when all he wanted to do is to grab his hair when Sendoh kept scoring. He didn’t do anything, but breathing and blinking.

Because if Shohoku indeed lost, he had to see every second of it.

But then, something surprised him.

So surprising that it made him talk, “Pause.”

Oddly, Rukawa obeyed him.

“You-” Hanamichi grabbed Rukawa’s wrist to force him to see him. Although he succeeded to move Rukawa’s body to faced him, Rukawa purposefully glanced down to the floor, avoiding Hanamichi’s questioning eyes. “Why did you use our routine when you know I’m not there?”

Rukawa stubbornly kept his act of silence.

Annoyed, Hanamichi snatched the remote control to replay the moment again.

Rukawa dribbled the ball to the defense area of Ryonan’s side, rotated himself before passing the ball to a specific area Hanamichi knew by heart to… no one. Because it should be him who’s there.

Hanamichi leaned his back to the chair, still disbelieving what he just saw. “Why did you do that, Stupid Kitsune?! We’re the only ones that know that plan!”

Still, no answer.
He shoved Rukawa’s shoulder to get his attention, “Oy, I asked you! You should have told them first, so you don’t look like an idiot! Kitsu-”

“I thought you were there.”

Hanamichi blinked.

“No. I wished you were there.”

Without knowing, Hanamichi’s breathing started to hitch.

“Wrong again. You’re supposed to be there. If only you told me about your condition from the start, I would practice on my own instead of wasting my time with you.”

“You-”

“I used to be fine playing alone.”

“Kitsune.”

“You’re ruining me.”

“Oy-”

“You’re ruining me enough that I know we’re going to lose when we practiced together the last time.”

Everything clicked. Rukawa’s foul mood and his sudden cold shoulder to Hanamichi. God, could he recover much faster?

Like a wild animal, Rukawa threatened him with his killing eyes. Hanamichi didn’t know what to do except playing the video again. They were remaining still, letting the sound from the TV surrounding them. Cheering voices from Ryonan’s crowd officially ended the video.

Awkward, clueless, and slightly feeling helpless, Hanamichi pushed himself to fix whatever went wrong with them.

“Rukawa.”

Though not right away, Rukawa finally looked at him. Hanamichi took some time to observe him. He’s still angry. It showed from the way his jaw still tight. But at least, the killing intent had dropped low and being replaced by a glitch of curiosity.

Shit. He expected too much to Hanamichi’s next words.

He sighed, “To be honest, I don’t know what to say to you. I just know I won’t say sorry.”

“Who expected you to say sorry, asshole.”

“You.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Okay, you’re not. But still, it wasn’t my fault that you think I’m important now.”

“Fuc-”

“It’s normal and totally fine. Just so you know, I think of you the same.”

Rukawa clicked his tongue in despite. He was frowning with his small mouthing mouth. In other words, the normal Rukawa Kaede was back.

This was something Hanamichi could work on.

“You know what? We can beat Ryonan in the next competition. No big deal.”

Defeated, Rukawa sighed, “You know I hate to lose, but I know I can beat Sendoh next time. But this,” he pointed at him before to Sakuragi,” this is the problem.”

“How is,” Hanamichi repeated the action,” this a problem exactly?”

“I’m used to your presence.”

“So?”

Kaede faintly sighed, “I hate I think of you when I’m on the edge. I could find solutions everywhere before… now it’s limited to you and what we do.”

Ah… That was why…
Fuck. This was too funny. Hanamichi knew laughing wasn’t the nicest reaction out of this situation, but he couldn’t stop himself from dying of laughter.

“You-”

“Oy, Kitsune,” as he wiped the tears on the corner of his eyes, “Do you forget something?”

“Hah?”

“We will always be rivals.”

Rukawa blinked.

“Don’t be off-guard too much. It makes you easier to beat.”

Suddenly, Rukawa’s eyes widen, like he understood what Hanamichi meant. Stupid Kitsune, did he think just because they’re partners now, then they’re becoming one or something? More than anyone, Hanamichi would always want to beat him the most. So, to out bested him was the only solution.

It also applied to Rukawa.

“You won’t ever win to me, Do’aho.”

“Yeah? Don’t be lame, then.”

He smirked, “Absolute Do’aho.”

Chuckling, he teased him back, “Soft Kitsune.”

Without warning, Rukawa hit him on the head.

“OW! YOU ASSHOLE!”

Chapter Text

“We’re not friends.” 

A bunch of weird girls cornered him to the wall near his class. For some unknown reasons, they’re crying while thanking God as soon as he answered their also weird question. Since when people think he’s friends with Sakuragi? Moreover, what’s so important about the status of his relationship with Sakuragi that strangers wearing headbands with his name on had audacity to bothered him in his break time. 

He clicked his tongue out of annoyance when the crying became too loud. What in the world was wrong with these girls?

“Popular as ever, Kistune!” 

From the edge of his eyes, he found Sakuragi walked with his gang, glancing towards him while snickering. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang laughing at Kaede openly. One of the girls approached Sakuragi in a challenging manner. She pointed a finger at him, “Don’t bother him! Rukawa-kun said you’re not his friend!” 

After that, too many things happened at one time. Mito suddenly stood in front of Sakuragi to silently giving death glares to the girl. The other three from Sakuragi’s gang was bickering with the rest of the girls that kept saying Sakuragi is a bad influence to Kaede. Yet, under those chaotic situation that Kaede found unnecessary and troublesome, he couldn’t move his feet to slipped away like the original intention he had in mind. 

Because the way Sakuragi watched him intrigued him too much.

It was calm, but not peaceful. Harmless, yet not exactly problem-free. Kaede hated it because Sakuragi supposed to be easy to read. But not at that time and moment. Too fucking unreadable, Kaede wanted to confront him despite them in a public place. It was one second before he walked the first step towards Sakuragi that the stupid head smirking, “Not friends, huh?”

Kaede frowned while watching Sakuragi dragged all of his gang members out from the scene. Surrounded by the girls cheering for him out of something he still didn’t know what, Kaede’s eyes kept his attention on the back of Sakuragi’s red hair. Once Sakuragi was out of his sight, a foreign discomfort sensation around his heart started to rule him.

Clenching his hands into a fist, Kaede cursed under his breath, “Fuck.”

It was the last day of school before the Winter holiday began. Three days since the obnoxious event happened which Kaede believed was also the exact duration of Sakuragi avoiding him. Brooding over that fact, Kaede slept on the side while facing the wall fence of the rooftop. Crackling sound from the plastic bag with too much onigiri and tuna sandwich placed in front of his chest intensified his bad mood. 

Dammit. He should be here since fifteen minutes ago. Didn’t he get the note Kaede put on his shoes' locker? 

It was a fucking clear order. 

Meet me at the rooftop at lunch. 

Should he put his name on? Did Do’aho really an absolute idiot for not knowing it’s Kaede that wrote the note? 

Cursing out loud inside his mind, Kaede didn’t aware the iron door of the rooftop being opened. It was only until someone called his name that he knew he wasn’t alone any more.

“Rukawa-kun?”

A familiar voice, yet not the one he expected put Kaede in a more foul mood. Did Sakuragi just send somebody else to fix their situation? It got more annoying when he knew exactly who.

“Rukawa-kun, it’s rude to not see people in the eyes when talking.”

Groaning, Kaede turned his head around to find Mito is already sitting behind him with a fake polite smile. Why did Sakuragi likes to be around with this kind of person so much? Didn’t he know Mito was a fucking manipulative bastard? Realizing it was a waste of time to not indulging Mito with whatever he wanted with Kaede, he quickly changed his position to sit face to face with him. As soon as he leaned his back on the wall fence, Kaede asked, “Where’s Do’aho?”

“Hanamichi? In class, eating the exact food of what you have inside that plastic. Never know not a friend can know what my best friend liked the most.” 

Kaede wanted to punch Mito in the face so much over his such a passive-aggressive statement. Especially the way he emphasized the best friend words, like he’s owning Sakuragi. Friends or not, that stupid red head is his partner. Of course, he knew his favourite food. 

Kaede wished Mito was dead by being intoxicated from the pomade he overused on his hair.

“Why are you here instead of him?” asked Kaede out of curiosity, despite the growing anger inside him. 

Mito smirked, like an evil person he actually is. “You’re such a hypocrite, asshole. If you think Hanamichi as your friend, just say so. Don’t confuse my friend like that for the sake of your stupid high pride.”

Kaede gaped before closing his mouth tight. What the fuck was this? It was Sakuragi that saying clearly they’re not friends at the beginning of their partnership. Then, why it felt like it’s him that wronged the agreement?

“It’s him that saying we’re not. Anyway, you’re not answering my question.”

“You think Hanamichi will notice a freaking small paper with way smaller written note inside it? Not to mention how you put the fucking paper at the very end of his locker. Total bad move, Rukawa-kun.”

He snorted, “Then, how could you find it?”

“Force of habit. I’m always check all my friend’s locker in the morning. It’s not rare to find some objects that can harm them. We’re quite popular, you know.”

“It’s not something you should brag, Mito.”

“You’re right. But, it can’t be help. We have a reputation to maintain. Especially since Basketball Team took Hanamichi from us.”

“Never know you’re bitter about it.”

“You know nothing about us, Rukawa-kun. What we have is too complicated for your small brain.”

“Asshole-”

“But what you have with Hanamichi is a simple one if you committed to it,” as he shoved his hand to his pant’s pocket, “Here. The reply of your note.” There was a small paper slipped between his index and middle fingers. With an intense look, he challenged Kaede to take it. As much as he loathed to admit he’s losing in this verbal fight, Kaede took it right away.

He read the note while frowning, “What’s this?”

“An address to our usual Panchiko parlour.”

“And why I need this?”

Mito sighed like he’s exhausted with Kaede, “We will play there after school. Of course, Hanamichi will be there too.”

Kaede bit his inner bottom lip, thinking if Mito’s indirect suggestion was a great idea or not. 

“Come if you really mean it. Hanamichi takes friendship seriously.”

Tired of being accused each time, he repeated his excuse one more time, “He’s the one that saying we’re not.”

“Do you think time doesn’t change that? Do you really think Hanamichi will spend half of lunch break to eat with you in this rooftop if he thinks you’re not his friend? You can’t be that stupid, Rukawa-kun.” 

It silenced him and from Mito’s expression, he seemed disapproving Kaede’s way of reacting. Without warning, Mito threw up all his frustration.  

“Does the fact a freaking fifteen years old boy can live on his own doesn’t confuse you? It does, right? Hanamichi has no family left except from his guardian uncle that lives in another city. He lived off from his father’s death benefit life insurance. Do you know how many times I asked him to live with me? Every fucking month since his dad passed away. Then, how many times he rejected me? Every fucking time too. For the longest time, Hanamichi only has us to take care of him from distance. Then high school happens. Slowly, he lets many people come into his life. Haruko-chan and weirdly her friends. Shohoku basketball teammates. Anzai-Sensei’s family. And unfortunately, you .”

Kaede was too overwhelmed with the information about Sakuragi that his throat felt dry. He wanted to do something, yet his body didn’t agree with him. Even if he’s able to control his body again, his brain was too foggy for him to come up with something that’s worth saying. The only he could do is to look at Mito straight in the eyes.

“I used to think it’s funny how Hanamichi is so interested in you. At first, he hated you so much over Haruko-chan’s crush on you, but the more he spends time in the basketball club, his eyes that used to look for Haruko-chan’s presence in the crowd side shifted to you. He looked at you with anger, envy, and most surprisingly admiration. He wanted to reach you, asshole. It was the first time Hanamichi wanted to reach someone despite being treated like a rubbish.”

Mito could say anything he wanted, but not the last part, “I didn’t treat him like that.”

“Yeah? Then, act like it. He said nothing to me but these days, his entire mood depends on you. It’s freaking annoying it has to be you that he finally wanted to give his trust to.”

Kaede glared at Mito for a second before looking down to the note on his fingers, “I’ll be there.”

“Just fucking show up. I’ll kill you if you don’t.” 

He didn’t look up when Mito went away from him. He didn’t do anything even when the door being slammed hard to give him the last warning from the so-called best friend of Sakuragi. 

Damn, what did he put himself into?

“Minor can’t be here.” 

Kaede blinked as the middle age man with moustache looked at his clothes instead of his face. Slowly, he looked down to see his own Gokuran too. He sighed as he cursed under his breath for being so stupid. He put down his bag and take off his gokuran before put it inside the bag fast. The man observed him in silence. Once Kaede looked considerable proper enough for the place, the man nodded to gesturing him to get into the parlour. 

He stepped into the place quickly and right away searching for the one he was looking for. It was easy to find Sakuragi’s location. Just concentrated on the loudest voice in the room and there he was, laughing out loud towards his frustrated blonde friend. Noticing it’s a waste of time to standing without doing anything, he approached Sakuragi to sit at the empty chair beside him. 

Once he settled down, Sakuragi stopped laughing to give him a questioning look. 

“Look upfront, Do’Aho. Don’t want me to laugh at you if you lose, right?”

He snorted, “Weird Kitsune,” as he goes back playing the Panchiko. 

Weirdly, all of Sakuragi’s friends started to leave them alone one by one. Suspicious with the acts, he turned his head around to find Mito, in the middle of the long lines of colourful Panchiko machines, was smirking at him like he won. Behind him, the other three was sending death glares at him. Exhausted over Sakuragi and his friend’s dramatic personality, he sighed hard, but took that time to focusing on the small screen of this too freaking vibrant machine. 

“I’m so tired to ask this question all the time, but it’s your fault to have a hobby of popping out of nowhere. What are you doing here?”

“Hangs out with you.”

Sakuragi snorted, “I don’t hang out with a not friend.”

Kaede faintly sighed, “Friends or not, I’m still hanging out with you.”

Although almost like a whisper, he could hear Sakuragi muttered, “Stupid Kitsune.”

They stayed in silence throughout Sakuragi’s game. With ‘You’re Win’ words was filling the screen, Hanamichi sighed before turning his head to look at Kaede.

“What do you want?”

“Hanging out with you.”

“Why?”

“Friends are hanging out together.”

“So, we’re friends now? As long as no one sees us?”

He shook his head, “We’re simply friends. Nothing else.”

Sakuragi was staring at him, almost like analysing him. Despite finding Sakuragi’s act was totally unnecessary, Kaede let him. Seconds turned to minutes, finally, Sakuragi nodded, “Okay. Do you want to have dinner with us? At the end of this block, there is this Ramen restaurant I liked. You like chicken, right? The one with chicken broth was a die for. I’ve got enough money to treat you today.”

Kaede blinked at the sudden change of atmosphere. 

Sakuragi realized how dumbfounded Kaede currently was, smiling while ruffling his hair. “You’re such a baby.”

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. Let this brother teach you how to enjoy life.”

He shoved Sakuragi’s hands out of his head, “Tell the brother to fuck off.”

“Make up your mind, Kitsune. Don’t act like an asshole,” said Hanamichi right away. The goofy atmosphere around him dropped to zero. Kaede clicked his tongue, too fed up being misunderstood, “You know I’m joking.”

Sakuragi gritted his teeth, “Whatever.”

Did he have to do the worst scenario out of this situation? Aish, he hated this so freaking much. Well, fuck it.

“Brother, I want two bowls of chicken ramen,” muttered Kaede forcefully. 

Sakuragi opened and closed his mouth multiple times until his confusion turned into a brightest smile he ever put on for Kaede. He ruffled his hair again and this time, Kaede allowed him, “Okay, baby Kitsune. This brother is here for you.”

“Tch,” as he turned his head to the side out of embarrassment. 

But the sound of Sakuragi’s laughing was worth enough. 

Such a troublesome and demanding friend he had, this fucking Do'aho. 

Chapter Text

A truce did wonders for their relationship.

At least from Hanamichi’s side, Rukawa had become one of the few people he was no longer afraid to trust. He trusted Rukawa enough to let him see the messy parts of his life—enough to let the fox hang out at his shabby house since the winter holiday. 

When Hanamichi said his house was shabby, he meant it with all his heart. The building was old, and anyone could see no one was really taking care of the place. The garden was filled with dead plants, the walls were chipped, the furniture cracked, and most of the time, there was only instant food—and occasionally, Yohei’s mother’s homemade meals—in the house.

In short, the way he lived was miserable. 

A truth he preferred to keep hidden, shared only with a very few. And now, Rukawa was one of them.

“Did you guys practice this morning?” Yohei asked, munching his lunch and pointing at Rukawa, who was now sleeping with his head in Hanamichi’s lap.

Hanamichi looked down to see Rukawa’s peaceful face before staring back again to Yohei, “Hm, we’ve been practicing before school since the day I had finished my rehab.”

Yohei chuckled, “Obsessed with you, isn’t he?”

Sakuragi laughed, “I told him the same but of course, he dismissed the idea.”

Yohei smiled softly at him, “I’m glad.”

“Of what?”

“Of you two.”

Sakuragi rolled his eyes, “You’re being dramatic.”

His best friend shook his head, “No, I’m not. You used to want to kill him.”

“He was annoying.”

“And Haruko’s crush. Still is.”

Hanamichi stared at Yohei with a weird look before asking again, “What is it you’re trying to say to me?”

Yohei smiled then asked, “Do you still like Haruko-chan?”

Caught off guard by the question, Hanamichi fell silent. Not because he didn’t like Haruko-chan anymore, but because he realized he hadn’t even thought about his love life these past few months.

His days were filled with basketball—and not just practice. Because of Rukawa, he had been reading basketball magazines, watching NBA game tapes, and listening to Rukawa talk about his plans to go abroad after high school.

Day and night, basketball was the only thing on his mind. And that was a little scary—because it gave him a kind of hope he had never dared to imagine before: the dream of going pro.

He knew it was a foolish dream. He didn’t have the same kind of “support” as Rukawa. But standing beside Rukawa made him drunk on hope. Way more intoxicated than when all he ever dreamed about was having a girlfriend. Or finally being able to date Haruko-chan.

“I… don’t know.”

Yohei raised his eyebrows, “What do you mean you don’t know?”

“I really don’t know. I mean, of course, I still like Haruko-chan but I don’t really mind too if we’re just like this.”

“Friends, you mean?”

“Yeah… Is it weird?” asked Hanamichi, out of concern.

Yohei stared at Sakuragi for a while before looking down to see Rukawa and scoffed, “Rukawa-kun, eavesdropping is impolite, you know?”

“Hn,” snorted Rukawa before raising himself up and leaned his back to the wall. Full of concern, Hanamichi watched Rukawa who was now staring at him soundlessly. 

Sure, Rukawa had earned his trust. Hanamichi could even say that he’s one of his best friends now. But unlike Yohei, who knows everything about him, Hanamichi had never really talked about anything else aside from basketball with Rukawa. As Rukawa had never asked anything personal to him. Not even when he knew the real life of Sakuragi Hanamichi:

Poor and abandoned.

“What is it, Kitsune?” asked Hanamichi, pretending to not feel intimidated by the silence.

“What do you like about Akagi?” Rukawa asked softly.

Hanamichi let out a small gasp before glancing at Yohei, who looked just as shocked. He couldn’t blame him—this was the first time Rukawa had shown any interest in Hanamichi’s life outside the court.

Clearing his throat with a fake cough, Hanamichi replied, “She’s pretty, sweet, and very kind.”

“Ayako-senpai is like that too. Why don’t you like her?”

“Do you want Ryo-chin to kill me?”

“Ah, so you like Akagi because no one else likes her?”

Part of Hanamichi was honestly happy—Rukawa was trying to get to know him better. But the other part was so frustrating because, goddammit, Rukawa was an idiot in literally every area except basketball.

“Of course not, stupid Kitsune. It was love at first sight. Love’s like that—you can’t choose who you fall for.”

Rukawa hummed and nodded thoughtfully, then said, “Then you’re not weird.”

“Huh?”

“You asked Mito if you were weird for not wanting to date Akagi anymore. Just like you liked her instantly… maybe you can just stop liking her instantly too. It’s that simple.”

Frowning, Hanamichi said, “But I never stop loving someone unless they break my heart.”

Yohei also nodded beside him.

“Then maybe,” Rukawa replied, “you never really liked Akagi at all. I mean, I like basketball—and I never second-guess whether I really like it or not.”

Then, with that same unreadable calmness, Rukawa asked, “Let me ask you something. Do you like basketball, Do’aho?”

Yes. “Yes.”

Rukawa smirked, “It’s that simple.”

His conclusion hit like a slap of cold, dirty wind.

“Oh fuck , but Haruko-chan is really my type!!!”

Yohei burst out laughing, shaking his head, “Congratulations, Hanamichi. You’ve officially gone basketball-crazy, just like Rukawa-kun. My hopelessly-in-love best friend is long gone.”

Sakuragi groaned hard as he said, “I fucking hate you, Kitsune.”

“Hn,” as he smirked even more.

***

“Stop sulking”, said Rukawa as he pushed his bike while they walked home together after practice towards Rukawa’s house. 

Rolling his eyes, Hanamichi kicked a pebble on the road.

“I don’t understand why you are so upset.”

Sighed heavily, Hanamichi said, “My dream is to walk my girlfriend home.”

“And then?”

“Now I walk you home.”

“So?”

“The fact that I prefer to walk you home means my dream is no longer my dream because now…”

“Now?”

“Now, your dream is kinda my dream too.”

Rukawa stopped walking which made Hamamichi hold his steps too. He was staring at Hanamichi and asked, “Being an NBA player?”

“Not NBA per say, but more like playing basketball professionally…”

“And that’s bad because?”

Hanamichi bit his lips before saying, “It’s impossible. You’ve seen how I live, idiot. What I can do now is simply… be better to be your partner and maybe beat you in the future”, and walked again, as if his answer explained everything.

***

It had been weeks since Hanamichi accepted that maybe his romantic guy era had come to an end—replaced by a new chapter, one fueled by his love for basketball and his determination to become the best player he could be… and to finally beat Rukawa.

His rival—who was also, somehow, his best friend now.

Yet, unfortunately was also a fucking weirdo , because instead of paying attention to the graduating third years giving their emotional farewell speeches after practice… he kept looking at him .

Whispering, Hanamichi said, “Look upfront, idiot”.

Ignoring Hanamichi, he stayed unmoved. 

“And lastly, Rukawa and Hanamichi,” said Gori, which finally made Rukawa look away from him, “I wish you two luck for becoming the best duo in the next Inter-High.”

Gori slowly looked at him, “And Hanamichi?”

“Yes!”

“Guard our ring, King of Rebound!” shouted Gori as he gave him a proud smile.

Right away, he laughed and said, “Bwahahaha, don’t worry, Gori, don’t you know I’m Tensai?!”

Surrounded by protest from everyone, Gori grinned at him before asking everyone to go back home and rest. 

Softly, he whispered to Rukawa, “What the hell was that?”

“What?”

“You stared at me like you planned to kill me.”

“I am not.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Hanamichi frowned, “Kitsune, you’re weird.”

He shrugged before joining others to get out of the gym. Hanamichi followed him from behind, still feeling confused. As if Rukawa realized the uneasiness in his heart, he said, “When you said my dream is becoming yours, did you really mean it?”

Dumbfounded, Hanamichi stopped walking, “I am. Why do you ask?”

Rukawa turned around and said, “Then, we need to win the Inter-High together.”

“Hah?”

Sighed heavily, Rukawa said, “Scholarship. We have to play so well that universities take interest in you and give you scholarships. And then, you could go pro by playing great in university competition. And…”

To say he was surprised was understatement. Hanamichi was high on the clouds knowing Rukawa, the one he wanted to surpass since the beginning of his basketball journey, cared enough to give him a path, “And?” 

“Follow me to America.”

“...”

Rukawa stretched out his fist and said, “Dream bigger, then follow me.”

Hanamichi was stunned before chuckling and bumping his fist to Rukawa’s, “You’re so demanding.”

“I can’t expect less from my partner.”

Blushing, Hanamichi stuttered, “I- Idiot Kitsune.”

Smirking, Rukawa murmured, “Total Do’aho.”