Chapter 2 : I Missed You

The next day, there was a basketball training at Shohoku High. Everyone was at their usual self except Rukawa. He did not feel right, especially after playing 1 on 1 with Sendoh last night. Even Mitsui and Ryota felt that Rukawa was wrong somewhere. At the thought of playing 1 on 1 with Sendoh, Rukawa could feel that his heart raced and started to blush. He started to play more and more vigorously in order to forget about Sendoh. But the more he tried to forget, the more he remembered.

After the practice, Rukawa left. The 1 on 1 with Mitsui and Sakuragi did not seem to be as good as playing with Sendoh. But it did shocked everyone to see that Rukawa had improved so much after the last match with Ryonan.

Surprisingly, Rukawa did not return home. He had went to the basketball court which he had played with Sendoh the night before to practice his shooting. For once, he had been able to forget about Sendoh.

After two hours of hard training, Rukawa found himself too tired to stand. So he lied down in the middle of the court, nearly falling asleep instantly when he closed his eyes. Suddenly, a can of 'Pocari Sweat' was placed in front of his eyes. Rukawa looked up and saw that it was Sendoh.

Once more, Rukawa's heart raced fast. It was not because of the training till he was tired, but it was at the sight of seeing Sendoh. He had actually forgotten he had once been training before Sendoh came.

Rukawa rose from his position and sat on the court. Sendoh, who had been standing all this while, realised that he was already sitting beside Rukawa, side by side.

But it was quiet after all. The both of them did not utter a word. Rukawa opened his can of 'Pocari Sweat' and started drinking. Though he did not know how Sendoh managed to know that he was here, he was glad that Sendoh was by his side. He had a feeling for Sendoh which he just realised.

Suddenly, for no reason, Sendoh turned and stared into Rukawa's eyes. This was the first time Sendoh had looked so seriously into Rukawa's eyes, even during the competition, Sendoh had not used this kind of expression to look at Rukawa. Rukawa felt uneasy and turned away. Rukawa quickly got up and spilled his can of 'Pocari Sweat' on the floor. He wanted to leave but accidentally kicked the can and nearly tripped but Sendoh got up in time and caught hold of him. Then he pulled Rukawa into his arms, whispering into Rukawa's ears,"I missed you."

End of Chapter 2

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Author of Slam Dunk : Takehiko Inoue
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®1998