The tall boy took a deep sigh. It wasn't that kind of sigh that you let out when you feel frustrated or tired - it was that kind of sigh that you only let out when you feel contented with your life, the happy kind of sigh.
Work has been good, his studies were satisfactory and with his new relationship with Koshino Sendoh thought that he couldn't be anymore blissfully happy than he was at that moment.

Then he saw a familiar red-haired person run along the corridor towards him.

"Ohayo, Tasuki-san," greeted Sendoh.

The redhead mumbled a reply, passing the spikey-haired teen without a glance but then stepped back and regarded at the boy with a hopeful, almost desperate expression.

"Can you do me a favour?" asked Tasuki.

"Yeah, sure. What is it?" said Sendoh puzzled.

"I'll be doing some running around at the moment and there will be some other people following me. If you see those people, like say, Hotohori or Nuriko, could you point them in the opposite direction of where I'll be going?"

Sendoh blinked, "Hotohori?"

Tasuki snapped his fingers, "That's right. You haven't seen him before. Uh, well, he's got this long brown hair and golden eyes - extremely gorgeous but also extremely perverted, especially to the people he's chasing..."
At that Tasuki blushed.

Sendoh stared at him, still puzzling at the strange request, "I see. Sure, no problem."

The redhaired gave a grateful smile, "Thanks. I owe ya one."
And then he was gone.

The Slam Dunk actor shrugged before he continued on his way toward the SD cast room. A few metres from his destination, he met a long, brown-haired boy who was walking leisurely along the same corridor.

"Hello," said the boy, flipping his soft hair from his broad shoulders.

Sendoh replied in same, bowing with politeness.

"I'm Hotohori, from the Fushigi Yuugi show," the boy said extending his hand. Sendoh quickly caught himself before he did anything that would give away his startlement. Slowly he took the hand offered in his and gave it a shake.

"I'm Sendoh Akira from Slam Dunk," said Sendoh.

"Oh yeah, that basketball show," said Hotohori looking at Sendoh from head to foot, making Sendoh uncomfortable under that gaze.
"You sure look that part," Hotohori finally smiled, showing his perfect white teeth.

Sendoh couldn't help but stare. Hotohori IS extremely gorgeous, as Tasuki has put it. The long brown hair swept past his shoulders seemingly soft like silk and the way he looks at a person with his brown-golden eyes would make the strongest-willed woman (or man) go weak on the knees. His angular face is held in a regal way but with a lazy tilt that makes him look like a person at ease in viewing the whole world in a cynical manner. Like Tasuki, he was not without a few masculine attributes.
Tasuki looked the more muscular between the two but Hotohori seems to not lack the strength as Sendoh has felt when they shook hands earlier. Hotohori is a bit taller than the redhead, and although Tasuki's voice held the rough treble of young man, Hotohori's was deeper.

"I was wondering if you have seen a friend of mine. Tasuki? With red hair and fangs?" Hotohori asked.

Sendoh took a moment, thinking of what to say. He has never lied to anyone before... ok, he did once or twice but they always know that he was lying from the way he talks so he did what Tasuki said he should do. Point Hotohori in the wrong direction.

Hotohori looked along the corridor in front of him and gave Sendoh a smile. "Thanks," he said before he left in search of a red-haired boy.

Sendoh wondered what was going on and at the same time he realised that he could lie - if he doesn't open his mouth that is.

Not long after he sees the purple-haired boy walking hurriedly along the corridor.

"Oh, Sendoh-kun!" called Nuriko from afar.

"Nuriko-san?" queried Sendoh stopping in his tracks.

"Have you seen Tasuki anywhere?" asked the long-haired boy, wringing his braid in anxiousness.

"I..." Sendoh only managed to say before he was grabbed by the front of his shirt by the surprisingly strong boy.

"And tell me - did you see a long brown-haired guy with him?" asked Nuriko in an urgent hiss.

"As a matter of fact, that guy was also looking for Tasuki..." Sendoh said. Nuriko's hand went lax as his violet eyes grew wide before he pulled on Sendoh's front shirt again, nearly choking the tall boy.

"Where?!" Nuriko demanded.

Sendoh finger snapped up to point to where he had Hotohori go. At least, this is a part lie, Sendoh thought as Nuriko let him go to hurriedly make his way opposite to where Tasuki has gone to.

In the SD cast room, the only person there was Kiyota - the boy acting as a Kainan player and the one who Rukawa thinks is a boy-friend stealing jerk who should be tied up and thrust into a roomful of Pokemon criters who everyone think are adorable but in fact are just a noisy, annoying, shoes-and-clothes-gnawing bunch of rodents. Sure, Pikachu is cute but Sendoh couldn't help but miss his faithful brown jacket which he unwittingly left alone with the yellow Pokemon. And he remembered Mitsui's new shoes which was used as a place for excretion by Meoweth...

Needless to say no one has ever seen Mitsui that angry before.

"Ohayo, Kiyota," Sendoh greeted the shorter boy who was sitting on a chair flipping through a magazine.

"Ohayo, Sendoh," Kiyota greeted back, giving a smile to the spikey-haired boy who flopped down on the couch after he placed his bag on the floor next to him.

Sendoh smiled back reviewing his thoughts on the boy sitting in front of him. No matter what Rukawa thinks of Kiyota, Sendoh has already decided that the boy with the dark unruly hair is ok with his up-beat personality and that mischevious smirk which is nearly always there. If Kiyota's pursuit of affection wasn't Hanamichi, Rukawa would be best buddies with Kiyota by now.

Suddenly, someone came in and it was none other than the fox-eyed boy himself. Rukawa was all smiles which suddenly faded when he saw Kiyota in the room.

"What're you doing here, shortie?" Rukawa said, narrowing his dark blue eyes.

"Can't a Slam Dunk actor relax in the SD cast room with fellow SD actors like himself?" said Kiyota, turning his eyes back towards his magazine, showing his interest in Rukawa similiar to a lost man in a desert to sand.

"If you're thinking of trying to jump on Hana-kun again, you're mistaken, Kiyota," warned the raven-haired boy.

"Who says I'm still interested in Hanamichi?" said Kiyota lifting his head to look at Rukawa who in turn gave him a dubious look.

Kiyota sighed, "Ok, ok, I might still be interested - I mean, who wouldn't be. But I know when to back off when someone says they're not interested and Hanamichi told me as such crystal clear two days ago."

"He... he did?" asked Rukawa surprised.

"Yeah, he said that he already loves you etcetera, etcetera..." Kiyota told him, "So that's it. I'm backing off. Hanamichi is yours ... before the next persistent admirer comes along that is."

When the door opened, Hanamichi entered only to be suddenly attacked by his fox-eyed boy-friend with a long, passionate kiss.

When Rukawa let the redhead go, Rukawa was giggling with happiness and Hanamichi was breathless and pleasantly surprised.

"What was that for?" the redhead asked the boy in his arms.

"For saying what you said to Kiyota," said Rukawa nuzzling against Hanamichi's ear.

Hanamichi looked behind Rukawa and sure enough there was Kiyota who was wiggling his fingers towards the redhead with a one-sided grin on his lips. Hanamichi gave a grateful smile as he let Rukawa continue to hug him, before both of them took a seat on the other couch next to the one Sendoh was sitting on.

"You're certainly taking this rather well, Kiyota-kun," Sendoh stated.

"Yeah, life goes on and all that. Anyway, I've got my sights on someone new," said Kiyota folding his magazine.

Rukawa turned his attention from Hanamichi to Kiyota, "Nani?! That fast? Who is it?"

Kiyota smirked, "Why should I tell you?"

"Oh, come one!" the tall brunette pleaded, leaning forward eagerly, "You can tell me! I might be able to help you, y'know."

Kiyota chuckled, "Yeah, right. I don't think so."

Seeing that Rukawa and the others were still looking at him expectantly, Kiyota sighed and said, "It's Jin."

Sendoh's eyes widened and Hanamichi eyebrows lifted. Rukawa hooted, "Jin?! Good luck, man! You're gonna need it! He's like a moving ice-block. Even Koshino has more warmth than that!"

Sendoh arched an eyebrow at Rukawa.
"Well it's true," Rukawa said.

"Koshino is not that cold," Sendoh told him.

"Well, maybe to you he isn't," said Rukawa thoughtfully before he gave a laugh, "By the way you're acting he's probably very HOT when you're together... OW!"
Rukawa glared at his redheaded partner who had given him the pinch at the bottom.

"Behave, Kaede," said Hanamichi taking pity on Sendoh's fluster. Rukawa pouted before he leaned back against Hanamichi's shoulder.

"That hurts, Hana-kun. I expect you to kiss it later," said Rukawa, still holding that pout but with a coy look in his eyes.

This time, it was Hanamichi who got flustered as Sendoh gave a choke sound. Kiyota gave another chuckle, when the door opened again and in came Maki.

"Ohayo, Maki-san," greeted the four boys.

"Ohayo," said the tanned young man, taking a seat next to Sendoh.

"How was your weekend?" Sendoh asked.

"Fine," Maki answered, "But with this heat, it's pretty hard to keep the flowers stay longer."

"Ah," Sendoh only commented. Besides Uozumi, being 21 Maki is the oldest of their group. When Sendoh first saw the young man he thought that it would be impossible for the viewers to see the Maki as a teenager but he was proved wrong. And in addition, Maki has become the favourite among the viewers, along with Rukawa, Hanamichi and Sendoh himself.
Owning a flower shop with his sister, Maki has made acting a part-time job but with his increasing popularity in the show, he was forced to spend more and more time at the station than at the shop that he needed to get an assistant to help his sister out.

"But I bet the girls who always come to your shop won't mind buying your dry flowers, eh," grinned Kiyota giving Maki a wink.

Maki gave an offended look, "We do NOT sell people dry flowers, thank you very much." With his gaining fame, the flower shop has been the source of attention by Maki's admirers and that is boon for the two siblings. With his gentlemanly personality and a body and face that most men would envy, it was difficult to keep the women and young girls away.

Suddenly the door opened and Yohei and Haruko entered the room. Instantly Maki sat up straight, looking stiff. Kinda odd, Sendoh noted.

"Ohayo," greeted Yohei and Haruko to the group and the boys greeted them back. The brown haired girl took a seat between Maki and Sendoh while Yohei sat himself on the chair on Maki's right.

"So how've you guys been?" Kiyota asked.

"It was alright," said Haruko, brushing an imaginary dirt from her cotton sundress, "My family had a extravagant beach party - oh, I'm sorry I couldn't invite you guys, it's a family thing, you know."

"Yeah, sure, no problem," said Rukawa, making a face when Haruko wasn't looking at him.

"So, what have you been doing, Maki-kun?" asked the girl leaning towards the young man.

Maki looked embarrassed and uneasy at the obvious flirting that Sendoh immedietly felt sorry for him.

"I've... uh... started on reading a new book..." began Maki.

"Really?" said Haruko edging closer.

"What book is it, Maki-san?" asked Yohei, also interested but most probably more sincere than Haruko is.

"It's called 'The Chrysalids'," Maki told them.

"Oh! I've read that last year! It's an interesting book, Maki-san. You chose well," Yohei said smiling, "When you finish reading it, we can talk about it."

"That would be nice," Maki said returning Yohei's smile.

Sendoh was partly listening to their conversation because he was still noting the change in Maki's behaviour since the arrival of Haruko and Yohei. The 21 year old is the epitome of maturity, calmness and coolness who can be forceful when he wants to but now he seems to be nervous of something ... and is that a tinge of red on his cheeks or is that a trick of the light?

At that moment, Koshino came in and Sendoh's face lit up at seeing the boy, delighted that Koshino chose to sit himself on the arm of the couch beside him.

The group started on other topics of conversations until a knock came from the door and the head of the assistant director poked in to call on Hanamichi, Koshino, Haruko and Yohei for a short discussion on the parts that they would be doing for the rest of the week.

Before Hanamichi left, he gave a peck on Rukawa's cheek pleasing the raven-haired boy. Sendoh was wishing that Koshino would be as open as the redhead when he suddenly felt a soft touch on his own cheek. Turning around in surprise, Koshino was already pulling back from Sendoh before the shorter boy grabbed his bag on the floor, joining the three people out the door. Slowly, the spikey-haired boy reached up to touch the spot where Koshino has kissed him, imitating Rukawa's goofy smile, feeling himself at cloud nine.

When the door closed behind them, the room was quiet for a while before Kiyota broke the silence.

"You like her do you?" said Kiyota.

Sendoh looked at the boy in surprise only to realise that Kiyota was talking to Maki.

"Excuse me?" Maki said, looking puzzled as did Rukawa, and Sendoh knew that his face is showing the same expression as Kiyota continued to stare at the tanned young man.

"When Haruko and Yohei came in, you look kinda ... nervous. Fidgety, even," Kiyota told Maki. Sendoh was amazed that Kiyota saw what he had also seen. /So I've not been imagining it?/ wondered Sendoh turning towards Maki, also waiting for an answer.

Surprisingly, Maki went red in the face, "Iie. You're mistaken."

Kiyota shook his head, "No, I'm not. I can see the signs. You do like her!"

"I told you, you're mistaken," said Maki, his voice catching a growl, although his face still held traces of embarrassment.

"I couldn't be wrong, unless the person you've got a crush on is Yohei," persisted Kiyota, putting on a teasing tone at the last part of the sentence.

Sendoh was expecting Maki get annoyed and pummel Kiyota to the floor but instead the young man's face got redder and he was immedietly silent.

Kiyota's eyes grew wide, "It IS Yohei!"

"Yohei?! Oh man! Wait'll your admirers hear about this! They'll be devestated!" laughed Rukawa slapping his knee in humour.

"Don't worry, Maki-san. If you want any help, I'm your guy," said Kiyota pointing at himself with his thumb.

"And don't forget me!" said Rukawa moving forward to give a pat on Maki's shoulder, "You can count on me as well."

Maki sighed, looking sober, "I wonder why is it that I don't feel so reassured as I'm supposed to."

Sendoh looked at the blushing young man and the two grinning teenagers in amusement. Although Rukawa and Kiyota made Sendoh's theory of the boys being best of friends a fact, he sincerely hopes that the two would be able to help Maki of his love interest.

********

The next day, Sendoh was walking with Koshino towards the casting room. Upon reaching the door, Sendoh opened it only to be greeted by a surprised Tasuki.

"Oh great," breathed the redhead in relief, "I thought you were someone else."

"Are you still hiding from Hotohori and Nuriko? Or are there other people after you?" asked Sendoh, shutting the door after he and Koshino were in.

"Still those two," grumbled Tasuki, "Nuriko is ok but when Hotohori gets in the picture he acts really possessive that it's stiffling!"

"And how does Hotohori get in the picture?" Sendoh said curiously.

"Uh, well, y'see..." Tasuki blushed, "Hotohori kinda has a crush on me ..."

Suddenly a knock came from the door and before anyone could stand up to reach it, the door opened. Tasuki's face showed dismay when he saw who it was standing outside.

"Tasuki! There you are," said Hotohori, "I was looking for you everywhere."
The long-haired boy entered without being invited and walked towards the red-faced boy, smoothly sliding a hand across his shoulder.

"Y'know I bought this really tasty cake from the new bakery across the street and I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a snack later on?" said Hotohori, beginning to pull the redhead out the door.

Tasuki's nervousness seemed to have faded at the mention of the confectionery when suddenly Nuriko appeared at the doorway, looking jealous at seeing Hotohori standing so close to the redhead.

"And where do you think you're going with MY Tasuki-kun," asked Nuriko, narrowing his violet eyes.

"We're going to have some cake," said Hotohori taking a hold on Tasuki's arm, "And since it's my treat, I guess you can call it a date."

Nuriko growled and was about to step forward when the redhead burst out, "Stop it!"

Everyone stared at Tasuki who was looking very exasperated at the whole thing.

"That's enough! I'm really tired of this! Can't you both just leave me alone?!" demanded Tasuki.

Hotori crossed his arms, looking as if he was indulging a woman in one of her mood swings, while Nuriko looked upset.

"You don't mean that, do you?" the violet-haired boy asked trying to act firm but worry was visible in his face and noticable in his voice.

The redhead stammered, "I.. I.."

"Oh come on," sighed Hotohori, looking at Nuriko accusingly, "Of course he means it. You never give him space and you keep bossing him around all the time. No wonder he looks sick."

"Excuse me," shot back Nuriko angrily, "You have been chasing him around even after he tells you he's not interested! You jerk!"

"Purple-haired freak."

"Pervert!"

"Cross-dresser."

"Hey! That was only in the show!"

At that short lapse from name-calling, Tasuki took the moment to clear his throat and say, "Excuse me for a moment."
And then he stepped out, disappearing from view.

"Tasuki-kun! Wait for me!" called Nuriko.

"See what you did? You made him run away," accused Hotohori, following Nuriko to go after their favourite redhead. The door slowly shut beheind them but Sendoh and Koshino was still able to hear their banter from outside.

"Shut up! Look who's talking! Mr third-wheel, perverted ... hey, where did Tasuki go to?"

********

A few weeks later, in the SD cast room, Sendoh was enjoying a cup of tea when Maki arrived together with Yohei. What is surprising about that is that the two chose to sit together on the same couch very closely to one another that Yohei's back was leaning against Maki's shoulder even when they were the only occupants of the aforementioned furniture.

Before Sendoh could politely start on a line of subtle questioning, Mitsui entered the room to ask for assistance in carrying the snacks he made from the pantry to the cast room.

Ever so quick to help anyone, Yohei jumped up to volunteer himself and when the two boys were gone, Sendoh opened his mouth to ask, "So you finally got together with Yohei, huh?"

Maki smiled, rubbing the back of his neck in a shy manner and answered, "Yeah, about five days ago."

"Rukawa and Kiyota any help?"

Maki gave a chuckle, "Not much. Their idea of showing a person how interested you are, were groping in dark places, constant physical nearness such as brushing against a person as much as possible and stealing a kiss or two whenever or wherever you can."

Sendoh laughed, understanding how Kiyota's and Rukawa's plan has been reached by their own up-front personality whereas Maki was the more conservative gentleman.

"So what did you do?" asked the spikey-haired boy.

"I did what Yohei suggest we should do a few weeks ago - meet and talk about the book that both of us has read," Maki told him, "And while we were discussing I asked him out on a date."

Sendoh smiled, happy for his friend and favouring the new contented look Maki has on now. I guess it's just like me and Koshino or Rukawa and Hanamichi or even Kogure and Mitsui, he mused when in came Mitsui, Yohei and the rest of the gang including Koshino, bringing the snacks Mitsui has just made.

As Koshino offered an egg sandwhich to Sendoh before taking a seat beside him, the spikey-haired boy gazed lovingly at the quiet boy for a moment thinking, And I hope this'll last for a very long time.

~The End