Surprise

By Moon Kerstin (moonkerstin@yahoo.com)

A Slam Dunk Fanfic

 

Who could probably discover and help Rukawa’s loneliness?! Read on…

 

This fanfic is dedicated to all SD and Rukawa solid fans out there! Some life-based experiences and learning are added to make the story interesting. If you have comments, suggestions, and questions, please e-mail me, ok? Thanks! – Moon Kerstin

 

***ei[]`***

 

It was late in the evening at the school’s gym: “At last, were finally going into the Inter High finals!!!” Shohoku Team shouted in glory as they cheer their guts out. “Yeah gori!!! At last, your dream has come true!” Sakuragi yelled. “Of course, this wouldn’t happen if you don’t have me, the genius Sakuragi Hanamichi!!! Bwahahaha!” Sakuragi broke into a laughter madness. “Baka.” Rukawa butted in and made his way out of the gym. Akagi smiled and interrupted Sakuragi saying “You did great Hanamichi. Nevertheless, you must practice more and improve your shooting skill, understood?” “Oi gori, who do you think you’re talking to? I, Hanamichi Sakuragi…” as Sakuragi repeats his fave line, the rest of the members went their way home. “Oi… where are you going, minna?” Sakuragi blurted out as he pulls each one back to the gym.

 

<I should focus more so that I could top Sendoh off.> Rukawa thought off himself as he walk down the silent street. He stopped and closed his eyes. He felt the cold breeze, as the breeze touches his soft face, he recalled his bitter past again. He tried to stop the pain in his mind and tries to open his eyes. As the cold drops of snow falls into him, he suddenly opened his eyes and putted on his furry coat. <It’s December again… I wonder how miserable I would be…> Rukawa continued his thought and began walking again.

 

The next morning, Sakuragi visited the gym and wonders where everybody went to. “Hanamichi, Sakuragi!” Ayako tapped his shoulder while smiling. Sakuragi turned his back and smiled back. “Ayako-chan. Ohayo! Eh… you look beautiful today with your hair down and with civilian clothes. Where’s everybody anyway?” “Hah! It’s a free day today, Hanamichi! You can go where you want. But I think you must rest and spend your time at home. Well… Ja!” Ayako tapped his shoulders once again bidding good bye. “Ja ne, Ayako-chan! I think I’ll take a walk instead.” Sakuragi waved good bye and went off to the park.

 

At the park: <Rukawa?> Sakuragi wondered as he approached Rukawa. “What are you doing here, you ba-ka?” Rukawa asked without turning his head to him. “I went here to see Haruko-chan. And guess who I saw? You… what a waste of time.” Sakuragi sat next to Rukawa. <What am I thinking? I am sitting here next to my worst rival! Under this tree… we share this moment… agh! Get up, genius!> Sakuragi thought. “You were always a fool. How come you like something… someone… who was never… and will never… hn. …be yours?” Rukawa was about to stand up when Sakuragi pulled him down. Rukawa gasped as he face Sakuragi face to face. “What’s your problem, kitsune?” Sakuragi gave a grin. “Dreams don’t come true!!! I’m tired of it!” Rukawa finally stood his way up and was about to leave when Sakuragi yelled him “Oi, what are you talkin’ about? Come back here!!! Kitsune no baka!!!” “Suite yourself.” Rukawa walked away.

 

The next day, they had a practice at the school gym: “Oke, oke… get up now and be spunky!!!” Ayako rolled her eyes and start tapping her fan real hard. “Aya-chan… you seem excited?” Ryota entered the gym with Mitsui scratching his head. “We are going to Inter High! I hope you all feel excited too!” Ayako smiled and continued. “She’s right!” Akagi’s voice popped out. “Captain!!!” They all welcomed him. “Where is Rukawa and Sakuragi by the way?” Akagi wondered. “Hello! Let’s get started!” Sakuragi entered as he walked down the aisle wearing sunglasses on and wearing his red Shohoku jersey. “Why are you wearing the jersey, idiot?” Rukawa entered the gym with his white Shohoku jersey on. “Eh?!?” Every wondered as the two did their usual fight. Akagi approached them and gave them a hard punch on the head. “gori!” Sakuragi mumbled in pain. “Sakuragi no baka!” Rukawa whispered as he holds his aching head. “Let’s start the practice!” Akagi announced. “YES!” everybody answered except the two.

 

They finished the practice late in the afternoon. It was about 6pm. Rukawa left early while Sakuragi was the last person who left the gym. Sakuragi decided to changed clothes and went to the locker room. He opened the lights and was surprised to see Rukawa… sleeping. <Rukawa??? I thought he went to the airport to meet Anzai sensei?> Sakuragi thought. He opened his locker when suddenly… “Dad… you see… I’m not yet the best. I still have to beat Sendoh… yes, he’s really good and more quick. He is more popular too… but I don’t care. I still have my own fans club… haha…” Sakuragi was surprised to see Rukawa speak even in his dreams. “Oi…” Sakuragi tried to wake him up but, “Don’t try to shout at me again! Mind your own business, Dad. Why mind mine if you’re to leave? Your unfair Dad… you are the one who teaches me to be like this and yet we both don’t feel satisfactory? I’m confused… or maybe I’m lonely?” Rukawa leaned to the wall and yet still sleeping. Sakuragi decided to put a prank on him and disguised himself as Rukawa’s dad. “Son, hehe… You see… you’re such an idiot! You always try to prove something which you’re not good at! Look at Hanamichi Sakuragi! He is the perfect model, be like him son and your destiny will spell success!” Sakuragi was controlling his laughter. “Hanamichi Sakuragi? Dad… that guy’s a total fool! He’s the worst and bet he can’t even make a normal shot. He only wants to dunk… such pathetic!” Rukawa answered back. “Oi kitsune!!! Wake up and I’ll kill you!!!” Sakuragi hits Rukawa several times on his face. “You… see… I’m… lonely… dad…” Rukawa trailed off as Sakuragi stopped and tried to listen. “I just want a greeting card… for Christmas. Just as you always promise… remember? Just for… my December?” Rukawa went silent as he continued his deep sleep. Sakuragi thought of an idea and he stole Rukawa’s dad’s calling card. It stated its current address in America and its phone number.

 

Few weeks after… Christmas Eve has finally come and the team gathered at the park. It was 7 in the evening and the cold breeze joins them as they celebrate Christmas with their furry coats in them. “This is so much fun!” Ayako jumped in glee. “Aya-chan…” Ryota blushed. “Ok. I hope all of you have your exchange gifts ready as we celebrate our first Christmas day together.” Kogure started. “Hohoho…” Anzai sensei was surely having fun. “You go first Akagi-kun.” Anzai happily said. “Yes. This gift is for you Ayako.” Akagi handled his gift to her. “Sempai!” Ayako smiled. “And my gift goes to… Anzai sensei!” Ayako gave her gift cheerfully. “Arigatou. This is for you… Mitsui.” Anzai sensei gave it to him. And after the other characters exchange their gifts… it was Sakuragi’s turn. “Nyarnnnnn!!! It’s the genius turn now! Hahahaha!” Sakuragi laughed his head off. Everybody sweat dropped. “C’mon Hanamichi! Don’t leave us hanging! We all wanted to open our gifts now!” Ayako pleaded. “Ok. Ayako-chan. This goes to kitsune… Rukawa!” Sakuragi smiled and gave Rukawa a red medium sized envelope. “Hn. What do I expect? Just a simple piece of paper! Here you go, baka!” Rukawa gave Sakuragi his gift. “Ok! Let’s open it now!!!” Ayako concluded. They opened their gifts and was happy about it. Akagi received a new pair of rubber shoes. Ayako received a new set of t-shirts. Mitsui received a Shohoku keychain with Anzai sensei’s signature on it. Ryota received cool set of imported socks. While Kogure received new pair of glasses. Anzai sensei received a set of make-up which he can probably give it to his wife. Sakuragi received an autographed picture of Rukawa in a frame. He went ballistic but still kept it. Rukawa simply opened the red envelope and was shocked to see  a Christmas greeting card… from his dad from America. He turned his back and saw Sakuragi smiling back at him. He can’t control his emotions… so, tears rolled in his eyes. “Rukawa?” everybody was surprised. Rukawa hold his tears back and dried his eyes. “Thanks… Hanamichi Sakuragi.” Rukawa finally said. “But how?” Rukawa added. “Let us just say… I went with you in your dreams!” Sakuragi concluded. Rukawa gasped and soon smiled. He and Sakuragi run after each other as the rest laughs at them.

 

End

 

The letter of Rukawa’s dad goes like this…

 

March 26, 2002

 

Kaede,

 

What’s up, Rookie? I didn’t actually want to send you a greeting card but your rival, Hanamichi Sakuragi forced me to. Who is he anyway? He called me old bastard. Hn! He even shouted me in the phone. It was 3 in the morning. He even sends me several postcards telling me to send you a card. How foolish and yet unbelievable. Why don’t you be like him, Rookie? I mean… maybe you can learn more techniques from him since he calls himself as genius and the next captain of your team.

Well… I wish you luck and hoping you could write to me about him. Merry Christmas by the way and advance Happy New Year! Ja!

 

P.S. Maybe we can talk on the phone sometimes. That’s if you don’t mind, Rookie.

 

Your Father,

 

Dad