Still, Rukawa caught her arm again and retorted angrily, "Look, I don’t know what had happened but you are hurt right now."
However, his stubbornness only irked her more. Staring him straight in the eye, she answered quietly, "Let go."
The finality in her voice, the unyielding stance before him made Rukawa hesitate a little, but yet he persisted, " Naze desuka(Why)?"
Because a lowly Coward like me is not worthy of your kindness……
Because I deserved to be punished by the Gods……for escaping Death whilst my father died in my place……
THAT’s why……
But she spoke nothing.
Hisashi Mitsui absent-mindedly twirled the worn-out pencil around his fingers.
As usual, he paid scant attention in class; books and formulas bored him. However this time was different; he had elicited news that someone had sighted Shizuko in school today. Hence, he was bored, restless and not to mention, rather annoyed that he had to sit through two more hours of Biology lessons. Imagine the mental agony he had to go through.
Meanwhile back in Class 1-1………
"Shizuko, are you feeling better now? Heard that the nasty flu got you."
Indubitably, words had been circulating around in the school that she was infected with the common cold viruses and was confined in bed for a week. Fortunately/ unfortunately, she was wearing a jacket on the day of her return. The blue attire was meant to conceal the bruises that were still visible on her arms and wrists. (Other than that, she also decided to spot a shorter haircut, which was just past her chin, to hide her forehead wound that was well on its way to recovery.) Nonetheless, she made no attempt to dispute or affirm the news.
The bell rang, attesting the end of the last lesson of the day. Soon, all the students filtered out of the classroom. Shizuko, who was lost in her thoughts, slowly trudged towards her locker. The simple act of writing eluded her because of the ache in the wrist and this concerned her a lot. He was correct; it is still too early for me to play basketball, she pondered.
All of a sudden, a sharp pain on her head brought her back to reality; she had bumped into someone on the corridor and the unforeseen impact caused her to drop her textbooks. Apparently, that someone also overlooked her in his haste.
"Shimata!" An angry voice cursed before continuing on his way.
" Gomen, owabi (sorry, my apologies)," Shizuko apologized. Kneeling down, she went on to pick up her spilled items. Abruptly, she stopped. That voice…… Instantly, she turned around. Roughly the same time, the hurried boy stopped in his tracks and likewise turned.
"……Mitsui?"
Mitsui could only stared at her in surprise; he could hardly recognize Shizuko. Due to the new haircut, she looked very different. Her wavy raven hair, which framed her face, only served to bring out her dark eyes more. In short, she looked ravishing.
Shizuko waited for him to return greetings but the blank look on his face indicated otherwise. Aware that he was in a terrible rush, she swiftly offered, "……I'm sorry, you must be in a hurry."
At length, Mitsui managed to snap out of his daze. Red with embarrassment (he had not excused himself for knocking against her), he quickly dashed forward to help her with the books. "I……I was looking for you," he explained, "Err……just……just wondering whether you are coming to see us practice this afternoon." In actuality, he wished to ask her out for a date. Nonetheless, he still could not muster suffice courage to do it.
Shizuko briefly considered: there was no Tennis practice that week and moreover, even if there was a training, she was not fit enough to attend. Having made her decision, she nodded, "Yes, I'll be there……provided if nothing crops up at the last moment."
Flashing a warm smile, Mitsui answered, "Great! See you later!"
Shohoku finally won the match against Ryonan. After this victory, Shohoku along with Kainan, will be representing Kanagawa for the IH Championship Competition.
Two days Later, in the Basketball Court.
The team's spirits was extremely high. It was the first time in the school's history that Shohoku had qualified for the IH Competition. However, no one in the team was complacent; they all knew that it was just the beginning of a tough pilgrimage.
Shizuko noted this with interest. She had watched in great admiration how the team trained thrice as hard for their new challenges. However, she also noticed that Kaede Rukawa was troubled; although he executed his skills with the same precision, they seemed to be lacked of the fiery intensity which she had felt before.
Furthermore, this bothered her.
As expected, Rukawa decided to stay back in school for additional training. Hence, Shizuko was not surprised to find him alone in court.
However, Rukawa did not anticipate seeing Shizuko back in court so soon. His face gave a slightest hint of surprise when he sighted her at the entrance of the competition hall. Nevertheless, he still carried on with his shooting and dunking.
Shizuko only chose to sit down and watch quietly.
After an hour or so, Rukawa decided to rest. He walked towards his bag that was placed near the doorway. Taking a few sips from his beaker, he sat down beside Shizuko.
As Rukawa was retrieving a towel from his bag, he intoned, "Not using the court, are you?" Then he started to wipe the sweat away from his forehead. Frankly speaking, he did not think that her wounds had healed so quickly; it was only the second day of her return. Strangely, he realized that he did not find her company intrusive.
Shifting her position, Shizuko answered, "Just dropped by to see how you are doing."
"You should be at home; it is very late," he pointed out curtly,
"Are you always this blunt," As a draft of breeze whispered by, Shizuko slowly tucked a strand of stray hair behind her ear, "……or is my presence chafing you?"
"…………" No. Rukawa continued to drink in silence.
Arising from where she was previously sitting, Shizuko continued as she was leaving the court, "Actually, I only wanted to say this…… reevaluate your goal, Rukawa, only then can you reach your full potential."
Mixture of bewilderment and astonishment; these were very words to describe Rukawa's feelings when he heard this. True to her words and ironically, he was feeling somewhat lost when Shohoku team won the competition against Ryonan. He had finally beaten Akira Sendoh (judging by his own standards) in the match and that had always been his goal. Thus, he had been thinking to himself lately, So……now what?
He had difficulty identifying the reason for his depression and was grappling with this peculiar emotion for over two days now.
Yet, it was Shizuko that made him understand himself.
Rukawa approached Anzai Sensei to discuss about his basketball career. He wanted to further his studies in America where he believed he could perfect his basketball skills. However, Anzai was against his idea. Baffled and upset, he departed the Sensei's house. However Anzai's wife managed to catch up and explain to Rukawa the reason for his objection. When Rukawa confronted his Sensei the next day, Anzai advised him to strive to be Japan No 1 before leaving for America.
That day, Rukawa played like a demon possessed.
"Shizuko-san!" Pealed a cheerful voice.
Looking up from her Physics textbook, Shizuko turned around. It did not take her long to distinguish a head of curly, bouncing brown hair from the bustling crowd.
"Ayako-san?"
"Ah……" She panted, "Finally found you…… Hora(Huh? What is that?)! Why are you studying instead of eating?" Frowning, Ayako pulled a chair out and sat down.
"There is a Test on 'Photoelectricity and Radioactivity' this afternoon; I didn't study for it." Actually Shizuko was too busy savaging what was left of her hard-disk when her computer crashed unexpectedly last night. Unfortunately, she did not make a backup of her history and biology assignments. "Nan da yo(What is it)?"
Ayako shook her head as she explained, "We might not be allowed to enter the National Championship……"
Nani? Shizuko lifted her head up. Ayako had her full attention now.
"……all because those four Baka failed their Exams!" Giving an audible sigh, Ayako grimaced again.
Those four Baka? "You mean Hanamichi, Rukawa, Ryota and Mitsui?"
Nodding, she continued, "But Akagi had pleaded with the Principal and Sensei; luckily they agreed to grant them a second chance."
Shizuko began to pack up her books. "So when is the retest?" Recess time was nearly over.
"……on Friday afternoon."
"Ashita(Tomorrow)?! So soon?" How are they supposed to revise all their subjects in such a short span of time?
"Don't worry, they only need to pass…… Anyway, are you free tonight? We would appreciate very much if you can come over Akagi's place to coach them!" Ayako earnestly implored. Indeed, she believed that Shizuko would be a valuable aide.
"Naru-hodo(I see)……give me Akagi's address then."
Ayako broke into a big smile; she knew that Shizuko would help. "Hai!"
Akagi's house was alive with activity. Ayako, Akagi and Kogure had begun tutoring the four deplorable souls.
Mitsui blinked in surprise, "Kogure, you said Shizuko is coming over?"
As Kogure was leafing through the stack of lecture notes, he replied, " Ayako mentioned that she will be turning up……humm……where is it? I swear I'd bring it today……"
Upon hearing this, Mitsui stared blankly at the past year exam paper he was attempting to do; he could not focus because his mind was reeling in excitement. Shizuko-san…… "Erh……since Shizuko is excellent in English, let her teach me; you can coach Ryota instead." A dash of pink flashed across his cheeks.
"Ha ha! Finally found it!" Kogure cried out in triumph; obviously he was not paying any attention, "Oh……what were you saying just now?"
A huge sweat drop appeared on Mitsui's head. "……nevermind."
"???"
Rukawa fidgeted restlessly in his seat. Why on earth did Caption asked Haruko to coach me? he wondered, She wouldn't even concentrate. How am I supposed to learn? In fact, Rukawa found her fairly irritating because he associated her with those girls who would gaze at him with so much adoration in their eyes. He really hated that.
Hanamichi was as noisy as ever; evidently Akagi had punched him on the head again.
"a(Ouch)! Go-ri(gorilla)! Why did you hit me?!"
"Baka! What kind of answer is this?!" he roared with the veins on his temple threatening to burst any moment, "What had you been studying all these years?!"
"………" Hanamichi gave a stupid smirk.
"Do-aho." Rukawa remarked prior sprawling on the table.
"Erh……Rukawa, this section……it……it should be done in this manner……" Haruko blushed as she hesitantly interjected.
Seeing this, Hanamichi screamed, "Nani? Fox man! Don't you dare be rude to Haruko! What kind of attitude is this?! I'll show y……"
A huge fist landed on Hanamichi's head again. "Pay attention you Baka! Now redo all these questions again!"
"a! Go-ri! Why did you hit me again!!?"
Feigning sleep, Rukawa pointedly ignored the boisterous pair.
The dried, fallen leaves on the narrow pavement were caught by a sudden gust of wind, sending them spinning idly in the cool air of the night. Soft footsteps could be heard echoing through the quiet walkway as a lone, silent figure briskly made its way to a pleasantly lit house.
Meanwhile, in a Corner of the Living Room.
Thud.
The History Textbook slipped from Mitsui's grasp for the second time of the night. Soon, snoring sounds could be heard emitting from the still form. Seemingly, Mitsui had great difficulty keeping himself awake.
Kogure smiled as he began to clear the table; he knew that Mitsui had been working hard for this retest and not to forget, Akagi had also made sure that they did not miss any basketball training this afternoon. Hence, it was not surprising that Mitsui was this exhausted.
In the other Corner of the Living Room……
Ryota tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn as he was stretching himself. Meanwhile, Ayako was busy checking his script.
"Feeling tired so soon? The night is still young; it is only 9," she remarked.
On hearing this, Ryota immediately sat up very straight in his seat. "N…No! Of course not! With you as my teacher, I'm definitely energetic!"
"Good, in that case, complete this before you take a break," Ayako deftly placed a fresh set of exam papers in front of him.
With heart-shaped eyes, he replied, "Hai! Anything you say, Ayako-san!"
A loud guffaw caught Shizuko's notice as she turned around a corner of the street. That distinctive laughter was enough to convince that she had finally reached her destination. (Needless to say, the owner of the guffaw was a gleeful redhead.) Since she was new to the neighborhood, it took her sometime to find her way around.
It was Haruko who answered the doorbell.
"Sorry for being late. I hope that I did not miss out much," Shizuko excused herself as she made her way towards the living room, "Anyway, what was that about?"
"Hora(Huh)?" Haruko looked extremely puzzled.
"I mean, what was Hanamichi-kun laughing about?"
Grinning, Ayako filled in, "Oh, I guess he was just delighted because Haruko-san made him supper."
"Hanamichi-kun is hungry because he had been working very hard," Haruko explained.
Shizuko and Ayako both smiled; they knew that Haruko was not aware of Hanamichi’s terrible crush on her.
"Anyway, you are just in time! Ryota really needs your help in his English!" Ayako exclaimed before pulling Shizuko aside.
Yawning, Rukawa lifted his head from his folded arms on the table. Somehow, he had fallen asleep after he had completed the Math script. Stretching his head, he vaguely remembered that Haruko was explaining to him how to differentiate a complicated looking algebraic equation when he dozed off. Yawning again, Rukawa glanced his watch. It was already after 10.
Suddenly, a soft silky voice caught his attention. Turning around, he realized that Shizuko had arrived and was teaching Ryota. He had never heard her speaking in English tongue before; her voice was certainly melodious.
Obviously, Shizuko was a very diligent tutor; although the inattentive Ryota (since Ayako had left to help Haruko teach Hanamichi) had made the same mistake several times, she would repeat herself until he got it right.
Shifting himself in a sitting position, Rukawa decided to wait patiently for Shizuko to finish coaching Ryota.
Shizuko looked through the last section of the essay again. Finally she nodded in satisfaction, "Ryota-kun, I believe that you can take a break now."
At last, Ryota heaved a sigh of relief before flopping on his back on the sofa; indeed English had never been an easy subject for him. Then he got up and asked, "I'm going to find something to eat in the kitchen, you want anything?"
"Iya, iri masen(No, thank you), I'm not hungry."
Shizuko was sieving through her notes when a Maths assignment book was pushed in front of her. Looking up, she realized that it was Rukawa.
"Explain this paragraph," he monotonously intoned.
Pleasantly surprised, Shizuko turned her attention to the task at hand. It was a question on Probability and Statistics.
She quickly summarized the requirements of the question before explaining the steps to solve it. Rukawa was very attentive and before long, he worked out the solution.
Glancing through his workings, Shizuko remarked, "You are pretty good once you put your mind to it. I must admit that it is a moderately tough question."
Rukawa intently regarded her. "But I'm not as good as you."
"You only see the fruits of my labor," Shizuko smiled, "and believe me, getting there is not easy; it involved a lot of hard work……just like basketball, you made it looked so easy for you."
"Basketball is my life," he coolly replied, "nothing is more important than that."
The pencil lead broke and Shizuko abruptly stopped writing. Rukawa noticed her strange reaction and observed her carefully. What is wrong? He wondered.
Unknown to Rukawa, Shizuko's father used to say that. His reply had instantly struck a cord in her heart. It suddenly reminded her how much she had missed his presence. She had chosen to hide from the pain and refusing to yield to her grief by indulging herself in many other activities. Raising her eyes slowly to meet Rukawa's, she bitterly answered, "I can understand."
Rukawa caught his breath as he stared into those liquid dark, haunting eyes of hers. Like a cracked mirror, he could briefly glimpse the depths of the sadness and loneliness which could rival his own. His heart went out for her that very moment.
Instinctively as if sensing his thoughts, Shizuko hastily looked away, letting her long fringe shield her eyes and battered soul. Then squaring her shoulders, she spoke in what she hoped was her usual voice. "So, do you have any more questions?"
Now, it was Rukawa's turn to avoid her gaze. With much regret and embarrassment, he realized that he had just witnessed something that he was not supposed to……and in a way, he felt that he had intruded into her privacy. Then, after a brief consideration, he pointed out, "This section."
Little did Rukawa realize that he was slowly but surely falling for this mysterious girl.
It was morning.
Staining the sky with an orange tinge, the sun was gradually raising in its fiery splendor. However, the sky was partly overcast and hazy with the smoky clouds, blemishing the otherwise breathtaking sight. The fireball’s leisurely climb cast the neighborhood in long shadows. Nonetheless, it did not deter a particular person from venturing out in the streets.
Her lithe, catlike body moved in impeccable cadence with the mountain bike, slicing through the roadways with such precision. Leaning forward and low in the seat, she peddled furiously, not caring where she was and which direction she was heading.
The black racer top and biking shorts had elucidated her lean, athletic figure to the best advantage, attracting quite a few wolf whistles from the general male student body as she darted pass.
Despite the fact that the result slips were being returned to students today, Shizuko decided to give it a miss. Not that she had already known her grades; it was simply because today was also the day when the Sensei met the parents of his/her respective students.
And that reminded her sorely of what she was……
An orphan.
Rukawa heaved a sigh of relief when he read his slip. Not bad, he thought; he had preformed better (especially ‘C’ Maths) than he had expected. Of course, she was such a good tutor, he chided himself, it should not be surprising at all.
As he was pushing his bike out of the school’s foyer, Rukawa neatly folded the blue paper into half before tucking it into his shirt pocket. He had decided to sneak off when the opportunity arises since he did not invite his parents to the school for the supposed meeting (not that he had bothered to ask them). Thus Rukawa decided to practice in the suburb court today.
The resounding music blared into his ears when Rukawa sped down the narrow lane. However, such chaotic mix of symphony only added on his pleasure. He just loved how his surroundings would blur into a wild blend of vibrant colors as he accelerated. The clamorous music only intensified such illusion of surrealism……and he loved it.
An escapist.
Rukawa's love for basketball was born when he was barely eight. He would never forget the day he first experienced such exquisite pleasure when a distant cousin introduced him the sport. At first, the game only served to transport him from the plane of reality, into a small make-believe world where he was blissful. The tiny niche helped him to forget the loathsome solitariness, albeit it was for a short while. Thus, the seeds of love which were deeply sowed in his childhood days gradually blossomed into a fierce passion for the sport and it was truly unparalleled by his peers in his adolescence years.
However, it was different now.
Rukawa's fondness for the sport had developed further into something much more. It had surpassed the boundaries of mere love for the sport itself. Now, seventeen summers old and goal driven, his grim determination only proved to pave way for an extraordinary career in basketball.
He was now a young man fueled by a purpose in life.
Shizuko knew that it was going to rain soon. Not that the wet weather bothered her; she actually welcomed the prospect of riding in the precipitation. Shizuko had refused to acknowledge how much the grief and wreaked havoc on her mental being and subconsciously, she wished that the shower would wash away her pain and sorrow, leaving her fresh and renewed. However, as she rode on, painful memories tumbled through her head……brief flashes of her past……
……like the flare of the exploding meteors overhead.
The raw wind whistled down the path, knifing through the clothing she wore and her bare skin acutely sensed the dropping temperature as she sliced through the road. Nevertheless, she continued to sped on, completely ignoring the soft silvery drizzle that had began to sift down from the hazy gray skies.
The sky had turned gray and the cold was alternating between drizzle and fog. Rukawa frowned as he scrutinized his area, fine lines slightly creased his almost expressionless face. Turning back was too late now and the nearest shelter was across a main road beside the seaside.
The incessant raindrops wreathed around the concrete buildings of Kanagawa, adding to the gloom of the morning. However, there was evidence of an impending ugly storm as the boiling black clouds amassed along the horizon……
The rain soon turned into a stinging hail……
She actually smelled the sea before seeing it; the rich aroma assaulted her senses, briefly snatching her breath away.
The Sea!
Instinctively, she swerved and made a sharp turn, hoping that the sea was as near as she had hoped it would be. She loved the sea and to her, it was a place where she could embrace Mother Nature……
She remembered how the deep, sapphire blue waters would glitter and sparkle as it caught the reflection of the sun's golden rays……and she remembered the rich, distinctive fragrance of the ocean as the warm wind swept past her……
Such lovely memories were so deeply etched into her heart that she overlooked the fact that it was raining……
……and that the storm had sucked all the color and light from the beautiful sea lapsed from her consciousness for a second.
Hence, she was shocked when she witnessed the scene before her and momentary lost her concentration and balance. Still and all, such trivial inattention was a dear price to pay in this kind of perilous weather condition and the bike slipped.
And before Shizuko realized it, she was violently flung off her mountain bike.
The rain was definitely getting heavier. At this rate at which Rukawa was speeding, it would not make any difference whether if he made it to the shelter. Recognizing this, Rukawa cursed annoyedly under his breath.
Fear.
What she felt then, she had never felt before; a paralyzing mixture of pain, panic and heart stopping fear.
The moment she felt herself airborne……seconds turned into minutes……and she briefly felt Death’s grip on her. Death seemed so certain then.
She stuck the beach real hard, knocking the wind out of her. However, the soft sand managed to cushion her fall, leaving her with only some cuts and bruises.
Having lost track of time, she laid there unmoving, letting the rainwater slowly seeped into her clothes, making the material adhere fast onto her skin. The sounds of the crashing waves rang out loud in her ears as they hammered the beach without mercy.
Thoughts sprang unbidden in her mind and it suddenly occurred to her how cowardly she was before the face of Death……and her anger thawed the chill of fear and burned away the panic.
Haven’t she challenged Death time and time again by pushing her luck further than she should? Haven’t she preferred to die before she suffered in the hands of those thugs? Haven’t she purposely rode in such a weather, telling herself that it wouldn’t have mattered if she injured herself?
Yes, it wouldn’t have mattered since her father would not be there for her……and he would never ever be there for her. Why Shizuko-san, you are a coward, she chided herself, you lied that you would gladly embrace Death……
……you lied……
Hunching and curling up in a tight ball, she cried in anguish and utter humiliation.
Vision in such slashing downpour was quite hard, but a shiny, metallic blue mountain bike lying on the tire marked roadside was entirely another story.
The first notion that leaped into Rukawa’s mind was that someone had fallen off his bike and from the looks of it, that fall had been real bad.
He rode closer to inspect the dented vehicle and concluded that the unlucky victim must be near somewhere. Suddenly, lightning flashed sinuously across the sky and briefly illuminated his surroundings. A distinguishing silhouette of a young boy sprawling on the sand a few meters away caught his eye.
Leaping off his bike, he dreaded he was too late.
That slim silhouette did not belong to a young boy, Rukawa realized, but to a girl instead. She seemed to have lost her consciousness. Feeling a twinge of fear for this unfortunate soul, he reached out and gently shook her, "Are you alright?"
She slowly stirred, her body twitching and hunching against the pain. Then, she eventually turned around, letting him see her visage for the first time.
"Shi…Shizuko?" His eyes widened in disbelief.
Her eyes flicked open at the mention of her name. However her large, dilated eyes seemed to be devoid of any intelligence, seeing everything but yet uncomprehending nothing.
Rukawa cautiously gathered her into his arms. "Shizuko-san! Where are you hurt?" He called out anxiously.
Her eyes focused and she gasped, as if being aware of her predicament. However, her eyes narrowed when she recognized the concerned face before her. Abruptly, she pushed herself away from him. Then, she struggled into a sitting position before attempting to stand up.
Rukawa, although confused by her hostile demeanor, tried to help. However, a swift sudden spasm of sorrow and anger passed cross her face before she snatched her arm away.
"Leave me alone!" She hissed.
This time, Rukawa felt himself on the verge of losing his temper. Obviously she was hurt and he was just trying to help. Why such aggressive behavior?
Still, Rukawa caught her arm again and retorted angrily, "Look, I don’t know what had happened but you are hurt right now."
However, his stubbornness only irked her more. Staring him straight in the eye, she answered quietly, "Let go."
The finality in her voice, the unyielding stance before him made Rukawa hesitate a little, but yet he persisted, " Naze desuka(Why)?"
Because a lowly Coward like me is not worthy of your kindness……
Because I deserved to be punished by the Gods……for escaping Death whilst my father died in my place……
THAT’s why……
But she spoke nothing.
Nonetheless, her delicate features showed her internal struggle as she fought to contain the self-loath, which threatened to overwhelm her.
Like the time when Rukawa had unintentionally seen her bleeding soul, he felt pity and sorry for the girl standing in front of him. Suddenly, he understood; she was trying to savage bits of what was left of her wounded pride.
Reluctantly, he finally released his hold and her velvet-black eyes softened for an instant. Turning away from him, she tediously limped away to her awaiting bike in the rain.
Rukawa watched her progress speechlessly, his mind seemly clouded with thoughts. Then unexpectedly, he called out to her, "See you in court……soon!"
The limping girl only briefly stopped in her tracks before disappearing in the silver, watery veil.
It finally stopped raining.
The rain had been drizzling for the whole of morning and afternoon, and now, when evening eventually set in, it had decided to call for a truce.
Rukawa gazed up, watching the day dying as light slowly faded from the evening sky. It was his habit to watch the setting sun after his shower, to bear witness to the glorious end of the day and the dawning of the night.
He leaned against the balcony wall, deep in thought. The brief encounter that happened a few hours ago slowly flooded into his mind……
What he saw back then, he was sure that others had never seen before; other side of her. The part of her which give in to loneliness; the other her which yet was denying the very existence of her suffering. Iie, iya(But no), there was more involved, he decided. The image of her fighting hard to conceal her feelings flashed before his eyes.
Her whole being seemed to be emitting such strong defiance……
……defiance against Life.
He remembered how badly she was hurt when she was attacked, and with that degree of injury, it seemed she wouldn’t have cared if she died. The unanticipated tryst with her today further enforced his suspicion; she held so much contempt for herself.
It was as if she was punishing herself……but for what? Absently mindedly, he racked his fingers through his still damp fringe,……and why?
next......
Rukawa's character intrigued me for a long time; not because he was extremely talented and skilled but because of his grim devotion to basketball. Further more, the cold, aloof personality made him a wonderful character to write about.
Why? Some of you may ask. Well, by reason of his icy, no-nonsense attitude towards most of the people around him. It made me wonder what events had molded his individuality and the most important of all, why.
However, when I first drafted this story, I find it very hard (surprise, surprise) to write about him. The reason is simple, the very traits that made him so attractive (and won over so many fans) became my undoing; frankly speaking, I cannot imagine myself writing only on how cool and how proficient he is.
Thus, I decided to introduce a new character, a female one so as to make this a possibly romance story. By doing this, I hope I can slowly (I hope not too slow though, judging from my writing style) draw out and explain the reason behind Rukawa’s infamous characteristics.
Rukawa is a poor-rich boy, devoid of family love but affluent in assets. His parents are too obsessed in material needs and neglected their only child in their own selfish pursuit of wealth. Naturally, this is where basketball comes in, the sport in which he seeks solace. Thus, this cynical child finds it hard to trust or even love the people around him.
Consequently, he grew up in loneliness. But some where, some part of him actually wishes to trust and love. Perhaps, his greatest leap in faith is when he finally trusts his teammates and passes the ball to them to score in the last IH match against Sennoh.
His female counterpart is a direct opposite; she grew up in a family full of love (although her mother had died of cancer when she was young). Her father is her pillar of strength and support; she is a loving girl and trusts everyone……that is until her father died in a car accident. Though it is not explicitly mentioned in the story, she is also involved in the tragedy, but had miraculously escaped with only some injuries. But, guilt plagues her because she felt that she should not have lived since her father had died.
Therefore, she retreated into a shell of self-loath and anguish; constantly blaming herself for being alive. She became a indifferent and quieter person; forgetting how to trust and love the people around her……but most importantly, she had forgotten how to love herself. Her pride made her refuse to admit her frailty and her stubbornness prevents others (notably Rukawa) from helping her.
The loneliness that shrouded her attracted Rukawa and he subconsciously identifies with her emotions. Her grapples with solitariness moved him since it strongly reminds him of his experience during his childhood.
Some readers may wonder why I had started off the story focusing more on Shizuko than Rukawa. Well, reason is rather simple; because she is a new cast and I have hoped that the readers know more of this character before I move on to Rukawa. Not to forget, I have to stress that it is when Rukawa started to care for someone then he began to evaluate himself and perhaps, changing his grim outlook in life in the process.
Anyway, the later part of the story will focus more on him, I promise. =)
Signed off,
Passi0n-San
LivE LiFe Wif a PasSioN!
passi0n69@hotmail.com
