Chapter 1 : 1 on 1

"You are still not as good as Sendoh..." what An-sei said to Rukawa still rings in his mind, when he was in the train, making his way to Ryonan High.

"Sendoh." The only thing Rukawa could think of. Suddenly, Rukawa blushed. He could not understand. The thought of Sendoh made him felt paralyzed. Why?

"Rukawa! Sendoh is not here yet. Why are you looking for him?" Koshino asked, and felt a cut in his heart. But Rukawa remained silent. Then Sendoh came walking into the school and was shocked to see Rukawa standing there. He started to walk to the direction of Rukawa and gave him a smile.

"Hi, Rukawa." Sendoh said, not realizing that he was blushing a little (though Rukawa did not see it).

"Hi," Rukawa replied. "Let's have 1 on 1."

So Sendoh skipped his basketball training for that day to play 1 on 1 with Rukawa, leaving poor Koshino behind to face the coach......

They played at the basketball in the park that was near Ryonan High until very late at night. Though the both of them were tired, Sendoh felt happy, as though he had spent an enjoyable day with his lover.

When the both of them were going off, Sendoh said,"Rukawa, good luck in the competition. Hope to play with you more!"

Rukawa replied softly,"Thanks." and then started going off, at the opposite direction of where Sendoh was walking.

Suddenly, Sendoh stopped and turned around, looking at Rukawa's back saying,"......eh, Rukawa," and then stopped. Rukawa merely turned his head over and showed him a 'what's up' expression.

"............Nothing." Sendoh finally said after a long pause. "Nice playing with you."

Rukawa turned his head and walked away. He had a funny feeling in his heart by which he had never had it before. Yet he could not say it out.

"Baka-mita (meaning - Stupid)!" Sendoh scolded himself after he reached home. " Why didn't you ask him to stay?"

End of Chapter 1

To Chapter 2

Author of Slam Dunk : Takehiko Inoue
I.T. Planning, Inc

®1998