Favorite Lesson (Slam Dunk Fanfiction)

三Lesson 2: Line Without A Hook

It makes you feel jealous to see people yearn for something and to keep wanting it. Even in the expense of looking like a fool. You don't need a hook to catch your dreams. There's no bait for your dreams to bite into. It's because you'd be the one to grab on your dreams with your own hands. 

The ball that Sakuragi was trying to grab was pushed towards Amane's feet. She picked it up. "It was a good game, Hanamichi-kun", she commented. 

Rooftop

"Who knew that you'd be giving a surprise visit?", Sendo chuckled and threw a canned juice in the air. She caught it perfectly. "Were you trying if I lost my reflexes? It's still with me", Amane boasted but it didn't feel condescending. "It just broke my heart that you were on the other bench. You should be cheering for my name", the second-year student and star player of Ryonan leaned on the wall. 

"You seemed to have fun. When I watched your games last year, you don't have the same brightness in your eyes", Amane commented. "I'm touched that you were actually watching me", Sendo opened the juice. "Where else should I put my eyes? In that Rukawa-someone. Those girls are cheering on him like crazy. By the way, he looks like yo-", the lady finally realized something. Why did she hugged someone back then? The sound of his voice was familiar. That student was from Shohoku. She knelt down. "Are you alright?", the man straightened his back. Amane signaled him to stay where he is. "I just want to disappear", she bit her lip and wondered how she will be avoiding any encounter with Shohoku. She can imagine Rukawa telling everyone that he was hugged by a random lady and was tickled, not to mention shoving her hands inside his shirt. It's all sexual harassment. 

"I don't know what you are thinking of right now but I am just happy that you traveled an hour to see me", Sendo smiled. "Who said I came here because of you", Amane sat and pouted. "I know. I am just a side trip to visit your grandmother but that makes me still happy", the lad walked close and patted her head. "You mentioned about Rukawa. Don't tell me you're interested in him because he looks like me", Sendo hummed. "Who is interested with who? You're still arrogant as ever. Let's go do some fishing", Amane invited. "I'll just go and change", left. 

Corridor

"I was wondering why it seems that the air suddenly turned murky". 

"Ah, Miu-sama. A rat finally came back". 

"I saw him with Sendo-sama in the rooftop". 

"Are you here to bother him again?".

Amane heard voices behind and froze on the spot. "So, what game you playing again this time?", Miu, a first year and a former schoolmate in middle high raised her chin. 

"What if she went to other school for Sendo-sama to try and run after her? You have the guts to think that he'll follow after you. Basketball is more important to him". 

"Maybe, she's showing off again in her current school". 

Miu walked closer and pushed Amane's shoulder. "You're taller now but you're still lesser, Clown", she whispered. 

"Why did you follow me?!", Sakuragi's voice interrupted the girls. "I did not. You're just at the same place as mine, moron", Rukawa clicked his tongue. The red-head looked ahead and saw girls surrounding Amane. "Oh, Mizutani. Did you come to watch our game?! I knew it, you're interested in watching how a genius like me play", Sakuragi continued bragging. 

"I knew it. Show-off wherever you go. Way to go bewitching some idiot. You slu-", Miu wasn't able to finish her words as she felt someone looking down on her. "What?", the female student gulped but couldn't help but feel awe at Rukawa's handsome face. At that moment, Miu felt like Rukawa doesn't like the next word that will leave her mouth. 

School Gate

The three are near at meeting the group. Sakuragi saw Haruko and separated with the two.  Amane gulped and slowly looked at Rukawa. "I hope you don't get offended but you have the same height with Sendo-san the last time I saw him. Also, you emit the same aura", Amane said sheepishly. She saw the lad furrow his brow. The lady made a distance feeling the irritation from Rukawa. Did she say something that worsen the situation? "I will make sure not to make the same mistake. My apologies. Also, back in the clinic. I thought you were my brother", the lady continued and Rukawa just gave a nod. 

"Brother said that you're healthy inside but if you fell ill or what, you're free to visit the clinic", Amane continued walking behind him. 

"Rukawa Kaede, that's my name", he introduced himself. 

Amane was startled and wasn't sure how to react. 

Rukawa just don't like the idea being compared to Sendo so he wanted to make sure the lady knows his name. 

Chapter end.