仙流の物語 - Senru No Monogatari

Version #2: Chinese dialog [Switch language/version)]

仙流物語 — Senru No Monogatari
(Part 4, Final)

Online Chinese dictionary: http://www.iciba.com

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Later that same day just a few minutes before the end of practice for Ryonan…

Hikoichi: 好个灌篮, 仙道学长！
Sendou smiles: 谢了。
Koshino wipes his forehead with the back of his hand: 仙道那小子今天比平时更有精力嘛。
Fukuda: 会吗？
Sendou: 来, 我们守好这粒球吧！
His teammates: Ou！
Koshino: T__T 《我为什么这么倒霉和他不同组？》

Fifteen minutes later…

Hikoichi: 好了！练习就到此结束！辛苦大家了！

Sendou is about to walk over to a tap outside when Hikoichi calls him.

Hikoichi: 仙道学长, 你今天气色真好！
Sendou: ^^ 是吗？谢了。
Hikoichi: 你现在是要去钓鱼吗？
Sendou: 钓鱼啊。。。《我的确有段日子没钓了呢。。。》没有吧。今天我打算在家里读点书。
Hikoichi: 读书？Unbelievable! 你真厉害，仙道学长！篮球练习都已经这么辛苦了那你一回到家就读书了吗？真不愧是我尊爱的仙道学长！
Sendou: ^^; 没有啦。。。
Taoka appears out of nowhere: Hmph! 我想啊，那到底会是为什么呢？
Sendou: 教练。。。^^;
Taoka: 我猜你一定是因为有流川陪你读书才会这么做的吧？？
Sendou: 教练 ^^;, 你想太多了。(--> 骗人. We know Taoka’s got it right =P)

Sendou almost gets pulled into a whole other weird conversation regarding Taoka’s awesome prediction about Sendou and Rukawa’s relationship, but he manages to somehow slip out of it. Taoka has not made it very easy for Sendou since the day he misunderstood Rukawa on the phone. And mind you, that’s a very… long… time ago. Sendou even has Hikoichi on his side to persuade him into thinking otherwise but well… it doesn’t seem to work just yet.

At any rate, Sendou fortunately manages to get out of there and waves everyone good bye before he proceeds to walk in the direction of home. Now that he thinks about it, he used to spend most of his weekends after practice at the jetty fishing. It’s only since he started hanging out with Rukawa does he fish less and spend more of his time playing basketball outside, with him of course. Now that he thinks of it again, Rukawa sure has changed his life in a lot of ways he’s never predicted. He sees it as a good change, a blessing or some sort given to him by the gods, if they even truly exist. But what about Rukawa? Did Sendou change his life as much as he has changed his? Furthermore, would it even mean anything to him?

Sendou almost drowns himself in his own train of thoughts when suddenly he hears a beep. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone to see a message from him:
-- 我得买双新球鞋。我过去你家会晚一些。

After reading the message, Sendou naturally looks down at his shoes as well. He stares at it for a few seconds before he replies:
-- 我想我也要买一双。是哪间店？我们就在那里见面好吗？

And so a while later, they meet up at the corner of a street.

Sendou: 不好意思，让你久等了吗？
Rukawa: 我刚刚到。
Sendou sighs in relief: 店呢？
Rukawa gestures to a couple blocks away:　在那里。

And then the two of them start walking to the store, Rukawa walking his bike his as well. This time, however, they aren’t walking in silence.

Sendou peers over at Rukawa’s shoes: 你的球鞋破了吗？
Rukawa peers down as well as he continues to walk: 嗯。练习时破的。
Sendou smiles: 看来你真的很勤奋的练球哦。

There’s no response from Rukawa, for it’s the truth and there’s nothing more for him to add. Instead, he peers over at Sendou’s shoes.

Rukawa: 你的都没破。
Sendou: 啊 *looks down at his shoes* 虽然没破但这双已经很旧了。我想久久放纵一次也没关系吧。
Rukawa: 。。。

And then they both reach the store. Rukawa looks up at the signboard to make sure it’s the right one before he parks his bike outside and steps in. The shopkeeper, who looks like he’s in his mid thirties, energetically welcomes them.

Shopkeeper: 欢迎光临?！

Rukawa nods at him quietly while Sendou nods as well as wave in response.

Shopkeeper: 哦，我没见过你们呢。两位是第一次来这里吗？
Rukawa: 嗯。是自行车店的老板介绍我来的。
Shopkeeper: 哦哦，你是木村介绍的呀？那好，很好！

Rukawa sweatdrops a little at the man’s enthusiasm.

Shopkeeper: 那么，这位是你朋友吗？
Rukawa looks over at Sendou for a second: 嗯。
Shopkeeper: 是吗。那么两位今天是要买新球鞋吗？
Rukawa: 。。。　--> he thinks that’s only obvious.
Sendou: 是的。*smiles* 你有什么好介绍的吗？
Shopkeeper: 问的好。你们运气也很好！*walks around showing the new arrivals on display* 这里的全都是新货, 是今天刚刚到的哦！而且既然你们是木村介绍来的，我为你们专门打折也无所谓！怎样？

Unbeknownst to them, the corner of Rukawa’s lips turn into an invisible smile. (LOL)

Rukawa: 多谢你了。
Shopkeeper: 哈哈哈。来啊来！随便你选?

After looking around the selection for a while, Rukawa ends up picking a black Nike, which happens to be the same one Sendou’s actually considering. But since Rukawa grabs it first, Sendou kindly lets him try it on first. (Auww~ LOL)

Shopkeeper: 哎呀，你也喜欢这款式啊？
Sendou: 嗯，是挺喜欢的。
Shopkeeper: 这款式有白色的，你要不要试一试？
Sendou: 嗯，也好。

And so Sendou tries on the white one, and he likes it. Satisfied, he looks over at Rukawa’s shoes only to find that they’re a little odd on him.

Rukawa: 。。。
Sendou: 你不喜欢吗？
Rukawa stares at his shoes: 。。。不知道。
Shopkeeper: Hmmm.... 那个。。。请问你叫什么名字？
Rukawa: 。。。流川枫。
Shopkeeper: 流川是吗？黑色的确有些不适合你哦。你觉得白色的怎样？要不要试一试啊？
Rukawa looks over at the pair Sendou’s wearing: 。。。我喜欢黑色的。
Shopkeeper: 哦是吗。流川你该不会是篮球部的人吧？
Rukawa: 。。。我是。
Shopkeeper: 是吗？那么, 你的队服是什么颜色呢？黑色吗？
Rukawa: 。。。一件红一件白。
Shopkeeper: 哦哦，这下子白色的一定会比较适合你咯！
Rukawa stares at Sendou’s pair: 。。。
Sendou: ^^; 怎样？要不要试一试？

In the end, Rukawa does end up getting the white one while Sendou takes the black one. Sendou doesn’t mind exchanging, of course. After all, he is originally going for the black one. And so the two of them stand by the cashier’s to pay for their shoes when the shopkeeper asks eagerly.

Shopkeeper: 你们俩看来很强嘛。是哪间高中来的啊？
Rukawa: 湘北。
Sendou: 陵南。
Shopkeeper: 哦？原来你们是不同校的啊。 --> totally didn’t notice their school uniforms.

Rukawa pulls out his wallet and digs out a few thousand yen bank notes.

Shopkeeper: 既然如此, 那你们是不是敌对手啊？
Rukawa answers instantly: 是。
Sendou: ^^; 《回答好快。》
Shopkeeper: 哈哈哈。是吗是吗？有敌对手是好事。*politely takes the cash with both hands*
Rukawa: 但他也是我的好朋友。

Sendou’s eyes widen at Rukawa’s statement. He almost wonders if he’s heard the wrong thing but he knows he hasn’t when the shopkeeper laughs again before he says “原来如此, 原来如此” This is definitely the first time he’s ever heard Rukawa talk about them like that. Of course, it’s not like he’s ever talked about them like that himself.

Koshino and Uozumi once asked him before in school if they’re really good friends or something, but all Sendou could ever answer was more of a “Yeah, I guess it’s something like that.” It’s not that he doesn’t think they’re good friends, but Sendou’s definitely unsure of what Rukawa thinks of them and he doesn’t want to complicate things by telling his friends anything uncertain. But now that he’s heard with his own ears what Rukawa really thinks, he can’t help but smile to himself, his heart contented.

Shopkeeper: 多谢你们了！欢迎下次光临！

The boys nod a thank you at him before they step out, happy to have gotten their new shoes at a good price. Rukawa remembers to get his bike and the two start walking home to Sendou’s place after that when Rukawa notices the odd smile on Sendou’s face.

Rukawa: 你在笑什么？
Sendou: ^^ 没什么。
Rukawa: 。。。？
Sendou: ^^ 秘密。
Rukawa: -_-; 。。。

Along the way, Sendou asks Rukawa about how his practice went. It’s pretty much the usual basketball conversion, but neither of them minds anyway until at one point they walk past a takoyaki street stall and both their stomachs growl. They haven’t exactly had lunch after all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takoyaki

Rukawa: 。。。
Sendou: ^^; 你肚子也饿了吗？

Rukawa looks over at the takoyaki stall. The smell is tempting.

Sendou: 好香哦。要不要吃？
Rukawa looks at the bag he’s holding with his shoes inside: 。。。我钱不够。
Sendou: 不用担心，我请客。*smiles*
Rukawa thinks to himself for a moment: 。。。那好。
Sendou smiles: ^_^ 那我们买三十个吧。
Rukawa sweatdrops a little: 。。。太多了吧。
Sendou: 没关系。反正都快晚上了，我们不如顺便吃晚餐的份。
Rukawa: 。。。

And so Sendou buys thirty of them, which is like a total of five boxes, and they start eating along the way home; Sendou can’t wait for another half hour. Plus, it’s better to eat these things while they’re still hot. He is about to hand a box to Rukawa when he remembers that he can’t hold onto anything while walking his bike.

Sendou: 你不能边走边吃喔？
Rukawa: 你先吃。我等下才吃。
Sendou: 要我喂你吗？
Rukawa: 。。。 -_-
Sendou knows not to press any further: ^^; 知道了啦。那我先吃咯?

He puts an entire takoyaki ball in his mouth and bites on it… only to regret it immediately. Instinctively he puts a hand to his mouth as he struggles with the heat inside, worried that he may end up spitting the takoyaki out. But that’d be gross. >_>; And so he opens his mouth instead and tries to fan the heat away with a hand.

Sendou: >_<!! 《好烫！》
Rukawa facepalms and sighs to himself: 《白痴。》

Sendou’s embarrassed. He should have known better than to put the whole thing in, especially considering that it’s so fresh. He continues to struggle with himself when he feels a pair of hands on his face, turning him around.

Rukawa: 转过来。

While holding onto Sendou’s face, Rukawa blows into his mouth from a distance in his attempt to help. Sendou almost drops the box he has open on his hand. He can only stare at Rukawa blankly, his heart racing again. Luckily, it is only a moment of a few seconds before Rukawa lets go and casually asks.

Rukawa: 你没事吧？

It takes Sendou so much to snap himself out of it, and once he does he covers his mouth with his hand again to swallow the food down before he can speak again.

Sendou: 啊。。。谢了。
Rukawa: 是不是烫到了？
Sendou puts his hand down: 嗯，没有。
Rukawa shakes his head as he resumes walking: 真是的。

Sendou stares at Rukawa’s back as he walks ahead of him, his head full of thoughts. To be honest, he doesn’t know what to think, so the thoughts that are running through his head are in fact quite empty. More importantly, he’s got to slow down his heartbeat before the pounding gets to his ears and he can’t hear a thing. Rukawa pauses to turn around when he senses that Sendou’s far behind. He can tell that Sendou’s in a bit of a shock or something, but it’s not like he can do anything to help it.

Seeing that Rukawa’s waiting for him, Sendou catches up and the two continue their way home, eventually finishing his share of the takoyaki before they even get home.

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At Sendou’s place, Rukawa settles down sitting against the bed and finally proceeds to eat his takoyaki while Sendou goes ahead and takes his shower. Bored, Rukawa grabs the history book that he’s left there this morning to read as he eats. History sure is boring. If only this is NBA history instead. Heh. He can always dream about it.

A few minutes later, Sendou gets out of the shower with his towel over his shoulders. He has his pants on, but his top half is naked. He smiles when he sees Rukawa looking at his textbook on the edge of the bed, his chin rested against the palm of a hand. He looks bored, of course, but then again he looks bored at everything outside of basketball.

Sendou: 你很认真的在读嘛。

Rukawa peers over at Sendou for two seconds before he looks back at his book.

Rukawa: 我讨厌历史。

Sendou smiles again. For some reason Rukawa looks real adorable when he says that.

Sendou: 如果是NBA的历史该有多好。你闭着眼睛都能拿满分吧？

Rukawa kinda sweatdrops, but he shrugs it off as he gets up to throw the takoyaki boxes away as well as to wash his hands in the bathroom. At the same time, Sendou looks through his wardrobe to find himself something to wear. He’s just found himself a casual t-shirt to wear when suddenly he sneezes. Figuring he may be cold, he quickly wears the shirt only to sneeze again.

As Rukawa step out of the bathroom, Sendou quickly steps in to wash his face again with warm water. Well, it works, sort of. He then dries his face with the towel and tosses it into the laundry basket before he joins Rukawa and sits against the bed.

Sendou: 舒服多了。。。
Rukawa glances at him: 怎么了？
Sendou: 嗯？
Rukawa: 着凉了吗？
Sendou: 啊不是，我想应该只是--

He is about to finish his sentence when Rukawa leans forward and puts a hand on his forehead and the other hand on his own.

Rukawa: 没有发烧。。。

This is too much. This has been too much. Why has he gotten so friendly? Why does he keep doing things that are misleading, things that give Sendou this false hope that he doesn’t even want. He’s been holding it back so hard and so long, he can’t afford to screw it up now. But he’s had it. He knows he can no longer stop the adrenaline inside.

With that, Sendou grabs the hand on his forehead and pulls Rukawa forward. Rukawa’s surprised, but there is no time for him to react at all before he feels Sendou’s hand on his face, his lips pressed against his.

He is shocked. His whole body tenses up as he stares at Sendou with wide open eyes. Sendou’s still kissing him. Why is that…? Why would anyone do that…? And most of all, why isn’t he resisting…? He has a hand on Sendou’s arm, the arm with the hand that’s around his face. He can pull it away or simply push Sendou anytime but… he doesn’t. Rukawa is still tense from the shock, and he can still feel the other man’s lips against him. It feels strange… He’s never been kissed before. What do people do when they kiss…? As he struggles to think, the grip on Sendou’s arm loosens, and slowly… eventually… he closes his eyes. Though only a few seconds, it feels to him like a long, long moment. Perhaps longer than any of those scenes in the movies.

Sendou slowly opens his eyes as he pulls away from Rukawa, his hand still on his face. He’s afraid to look into his eyes, he’s afraid to come face to face with rejection. But he knows he can’t escape it. It’s too late to take anything back at this point; he knows he has to confront it.

Rukawa opens his eyes perhaps a second after Sendou. Unsure, he looks at Sendou in the eyes while Sendou gazes back at him. He tries to breathe but it’s rigid. He doesn’t know how to react. He doesn’t even know what to think. He just continues to look into Sendou’s eyes, wondering if he’s gonna say something.

To be honest, Sendou has expected Rukawa to look at him differently. He has expected a scowl or a frown, or even a punch. In fact, the whole time he kissed him he’s expected to receive a punch in the gut. But instead, right here right now, that man is looking at him straight in the eye. And he’s still not resisted. Not once.

Sendou bites his lip, his expression bitter. He knows Rukawa is indifferent about most things, but right now he’d really much rather that he punches him in the face than to give him that look, the look that’s hard to understand, the look that’s impossible for anyone to guess what he’s really thinking inside.

Eventually, Sendou releases Rukawa’s hand and slowly pulls him into an embrace. He gently wraps his arms around his shoulders and buries his face in his neck.

Sendou: 。。。为什么？。。。为什么你这么吸引我？。。。为什么你要这么的诱惑我？

Rukawa tenses again when he feels Sendou hold him. He doesn’t know what to do. Neither does he know what to say. He’s unsure of many things himself, things that he’s not even aware of. But at least he’s figured out one thing. He doesn’t mind that Sendou’s holding him. He doesn’t mind that he kissed him.

Sendou continues to hold him that way. He’s not about to let go until Rukawa says something. It’s been awkward enough that it can’t possibly be any more awkward. He’s determined to hear an answer. But soon he realizes that maybe he doesn’t need to hear an answer, for he feels Rukawa returning the embrace.

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Sendou wakes up in the morning to see a familiar scenario. It’s almost like a déjà vu. His left arm is numb and spread out across the bed, but there’s no one sleeping beside him. He stares at the ceiling wondering for two seconds before he remembers what’s happened last night.

He remembers the kiss he shared with Rukawa. It was so surreal but he remembers it, clearly. He also remembers that they end up spending the rest of the night studying quietly after that. All that time he has expected to face every worst possible outcome that he can imagine, but none of that happened. It was almost like a dream, only, it isn’t.

Sendou forces himself up on the bed and looks over at the clock. 6:30am, and it’s Monday. Oh right, there’s school today. He yawns a little and looks around the room to see that Rukawa’s bag is still there. Well, at least that means he didn’t run away while he’s asleep. Sendou has to got to admit, it feels weird that they’ve not spoken another word to each other since the kiss last night. He’s more than glad that Rukawa doesn’t seem to be mad, but now he’s confused as to what exactly went on for him there. He wants to hear him say something, anything, but he knows better than to push it. Rukawa will say something when he wants to. He’s that kind of person. And Sendou should know it better than anyone.

He’s still thinking to himself when Rukawa steps out of the bathroom. He’s wearing his school uniform; he must have brought it with him either yesterday or the day before. They look at each other awkwardly in silence for a moment before Rukawa walks over to grab his bag.

Rukawa: 我先走了。

Sendou watches him quietly for a second before he gets up to stop him by the doorway.

Sendou: 等下！

Rukawa doesn’t flinch when Sendou grabs him by the wrist. Instead, he stands there looking at him, waiting to hear what he’s going to say. On the other hand, Sendou thought he has something to say, but he forgets the words when he sees Rukawa look at him like that. Not knowing what to say, Sendou decides to just go with his heart and leans over, kissing him softly on the lips. And Rukawa lets him.

A few seconds later after the both of them open their eyes, Sendou finally asks.

Sendou: 放学和练习过后。。。我可不可以过去接你？

Rukawa remains quiet. He simply nods his head softly before he hangs his bag over his shoulder and leaves the apartment while Sendou watches him until he disappears on his bike. Rukawa may not have seen it, but he knows that he’s left a smile on Sendou’s face.

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Later in the day, Sendou’s already waiting somewhat anxiously by Shohoku’s gate. Before he left Ryonan after practice, Koshino has asked him why he looks so happy today. Sendou paused to think of how he could answer, but he never did. Koshino sighed and then asked if he’s going to see his ‘girlfriend’ to which Sendou sweatdropped. Sendou couldn’t even remember if Koshino even knew that he had long broken up with Rina and was thinking about what to say in response when Koshino advised him to hurry up and leave in case Taoka sensei catches him and pulls him into another interrogation session.

Sendou does not want to make Rukawa wait in case he’s late and that’s why he has taken a cab. Besides, that way he can get away from his coach as soon as he gets out of the school gate. It’s funny how things turn out this way, so confusing yet not really. Sendou can’t even begin to imagine how hard it would be for him to answer Taoka sensei if he questions him about Rukawa again. After all, Taoka won’t actually be wrong this time.

Sighing to himself, Sendou leans against the school gate wall as he fidgets with his cell phone. He wonders if he should text message Rukawa to tell him that he’s here, but he doesn’t want to give him the impression that he’s impatient. And so he continues to fidget with his phone until someone greets him.

Mitsui: 仙道？
Sendou stops leaning against the wall: 三井学长？
Mitsui smiles: 你在找流川吗？
Sendou: 啊。。。*smiles in embarrassment* 嗯。
Mitsui: 他正在打扫体育馆。我不知道他会花多久, 不如你先进去吧。
Sendou: 不用了，我这里等就好。
Mitsui: Hmm... 那么我帮你跟他说你在这里等他吧。
Sendou: 啊那个。。。
Mitsui: 别害羞啦。你在这里等哦？

And so Mitsui goes back to the gym to pass the message to Rukawa, leaving Sendou no choice but to wait by the gate. It seems that most everyone assumes that the only reason Sendou would come here to Shohoku is to look for Rukawa, which makes him wonder if they still believe they’re an item or if they think they’re just close friends. Not that it makes much of a difference now that things are starting to get a little more complicated.

Soon enough, Sendou sees Rukawa walking out with his bike. He pauses by the gate where he sees Sendou greet him casually with a smile and wave. Sendou seems to be behaving as per normal, but he knows inside he’s actually pretty nervous, only, he’s trying his best to ignore it. Rukawa greets him back silently and almost invisibly with a very light nod before he continues walking his bike out of the gate with Sendou beside him.

Mitsui: Hmm... *he rubs his chin as he peeks from behind a wall* 他们俩现在到底是什么关系啊？
Miyagi rubs his chin as well: 仙道看来有点紧张耶。
Sakuragi pokes his head out above the other two: 你也那么认为？？
Mitsui: 这是不是说明他们终于开始交往了？
Miyagi: 很难说。只要和流川有关的都很难猜。
Sakuragi: 仙道那家伙真没眼光！那臭狐狸到底哪里好啊？
Mitsui: 我赌一千元他们正在交往！
Ayako looms behind them: 你们啊。。。

Ayako smacks her deadly harisen at the three of them.

Ayako: 你们鬼鬼祟祟地在偷看什么？？

On the other side, Sendou and Rukawa are still walking together in silence. They are already a few blocks away from school but neither of them has started a conversation. In fact, god knows where they’re even heading for at the moment. After walking a few more steps, Sendou decides to give in.

Sendou: 。。。流川？

Rukawa looks a little sideways at Sendou.

Sendou: 我们现在。。。到底是什么关系？

Rukawa remains quiet.

Sendou waits to hear an answer but doesn’t get any: 。。。这是不是他们所谓的“交往”？

Rukawa stares at the ground, still quiet.

Sendou keeps quiet too, but not for long: 。。。如果你什么都不说我怎么--
Rukawa interrupts: 我不介意。。。

Sendou peers over at Rukawa who only looks at him in the eye for a second before he turns back at the ground ahead of him, unsure of what he means by that.

Rukawa: 。。。我不介意那样。

Though only for a very brief moment, Sendou is convinced that Rukawa looked shy when he said that. He doesn’t have to look at him straight in the face to tell. And now that Rukawa has given him an answer, he can’t help but smile to himself, a smile so happy and pure.

Sendou: 是吗。。。*smiles* 原来我们正在交往啊。。。
Rukawa: 。。。。。。*looks away* 。。。笨蛋。

--------------------

Thanks to actually having studied for it (even if it was somewhat half-assed), Rukawa passes his mid-year exams and secures his ticket (more like permission) to go for the nationals. Luckily for Shohoku, the three other problematic kids also manage to pass with Sakuragi just barely touching the passing grade.

On the other hand, Sendou's doing fine as well, passing all his papers pretty decently. On the last day of their exams, Sendou suggests that they should go out and celebrate a little, and to anticipate and welcome the nationals which are just right around the corner. In fact, it's just the week right after.

Knowing that he'll soon be gone for several days or maybe even a week or two, Rukawa agrees. Well, to be honest that's probably no different to every other day that they've spent together since the day that their relationship began. It was exams period at that time, but the two meet after school to study together and have dinner everyday anyway. If it wasn't for exams, they would have spent hours playing basketball together too.

It amazes Sendou how compromising and honest with himself Rukawa is. For a few days he has troubled himself thinking of how he's ever going to be able to try hold Rukawa's hand, especially when he always has his accursed bike with him. In fact, he's wanted to hold his hand since that very day he confirmed their relationship, but alas Rukawa was walking his bike, leaving Sendou no choice but to wait for the next opportunity. Luckily, that opportunity comes around soon the next day.

In their attempt to prevent themselves from getting distracted, the two originally plan to study at Sendou's place for a few hours before allowing themselves to play some basketball for a while in the evening. However, both of them grow hungry by the time they get home and so they decide to get some take away food nearby. They are walking towards the bentou store side by side while Sendou tries gathering his courage to go for his first attempt when a reckless cyclist zips past them, almost hitting Rukawa.

Out of instinct, Sendou grabs Rukawa’s hand and pulls him towards him to get him out of the bike's way. Rukawa turns his head around to stare at the cyclist's back when he hears some people go “啊啊！” and “你有没有睁开眼睛的啊！” behind him. The cyclist hasn't run into anyone as far as they can see, but still he doesn't escape getting internally cursed by Rukawa.

Sendou can't care less about the cyclist or the other street people at this moment and asks Rukawa if he's okay, to which Rukawa simply replies with a soft “嗯。” Heaving a sigh of relief, Sendou puts an arm around Rukawa's shoulder while continuing to hold his hand, hugging him for a moment before he lets go. After that, the two continue to walk quietly hand in hand.

It is a blessing in disguise, perhaps. Rukawa may have cursed for the man to crash into a tree or something out of a moment's annoyance, but Sendou is secretly grateful about it. His good mood continues when Rukawa surprises him by asking him for one of the purikura stickers they previously took. Sendou's curious as to what Rukawa's planning to do with it, but he smiles when he sees him paste it on his wallet, though on the inside.

Before they know it, the nationals have arrived and it's time for Shohoku to resume their quest of conquer. Sendou wants to send Rukawa off at the train station, but he knows that it'll be awkward considering the whole team's presence. So instead he gives him his best wishes the previous night before Rukawa bikes home from his place. It's a shame that he cannot be there to watch him, but he promises that he'll be there waiting at the train station when they come back.

It isn't long before Shohoku successfully defeats Toyotama in round one of the nationals, and then followed by Sannoh. While the team celebrates their victory streak, Rukawa would text message Sendou informing him of their results. Sendou isn't surprised, of course, for he knows of Shohoku's strength and believe that they can pull through the nationals. However, he certainly does not underestimate the nationals’ level and prays for Shohoku's continued success, only to be at a loss soon after when he receives Rukawa's message that they've lost to Aiwa Gakuin in the third round.?

(Note: I actually have not finished reading the Slam Dunk manga when I wrote this. So please forgive me if there are any inconsistenties.)

It is a tough moment of reality for Shohoku to swallow. They have put their everything, practically betting all of which they have on this nationals only to fail near the end. While the experience they've gained is invaluable, it is still a high price to pay considering that two out of five of Shohoku's starting members are in their third year and they won't be around again for next year.

Worried about how Rukawa may be doing, Sendou gives him a call that night.

Sendou: 流川。。。？
Rukawa: 。。。嗯。
Sendou: 。。。湘北被打败真的很可惜。。。
Rukawa: 。。。

Sendou can tell that Rukawa is still bitter about their loss.

Sendou: 。。。我知道你很难过。如果你需要发泄, 别忘了你随时都有我。

Rukawa doesn't actually know how he can help himself at this moment either.

Sendou: 你们几时会回来？
Rukawa: 。。。明天中午十二点出发。
Sendou: 那我明天就在火车站等你。

------------------------

It's 1:30 in the afternoon and Sendou's waiting by the exit near the checkout point. It takes about an hour to get from Hiroshima back to town by the bullet train, so it's right about time Shohoku arrives. Of course, Sendou has to skip practice for this and Taoka’s probably fuming again at this very moment but Sendou has got a plan, sort of. Instead of just skipping practice, he’s actually skipped the whole day of school pretending that he’s sick. It’s not like Taoka will believe him anyway, but at least it’s still more convincing.

It’s now 1:45pm and Sendou starts to get a little worried; he's tempted to message Rukawa and ask if everything is okay but he resists it. As he paces back and forth a little, he finally notices a group of people in school uniform walking over, along with their coach.

Rukawa walks near the back, looking as solemn as the rest of them. This defeat has sure hit them hard, and Sendou can understand their pain, for his team has lost the chance to enter the nationals itself this year. He softly smiles at Rukawa when he finally looks up to see him, a smile of comfort and understanding.

Rukawa: 《仙道。。。》

Rukawa walks up to him quietly, the rest of his team quiet as well; even Sakuragi is too devastated to be his usual self at this point. Sendou watches Rukawa as he approaches and stops in front of him, his eyes looking down at the floor. He wants to comfort him somehow; he has to, for he has no intention of letting him stay down forever.

With that, he steps one foot forward and gently pulls him into an embrace, one arm around his shoulder, a hand on his head. They continue to stay that way for perhaps half a minute before Sendou finally says something.

Sendou: 别太在意。。。我们明年还有机会。所以。。。

Rukawa looks into Sendou's eyes, searching for assurance.

Sendou: 让我们大家一起加油吧。

It is a shame that that cannot be applied to Akagi, Mitsui and Kogure, but they have now come to terms with it. They have done their best and they have no regrets. Though they truly wish to continue on with this team, they know that eventually they'll have to move on. At the very least, they also know that this is not the end of their basketball life, for there's always the university and better yet, a true professional basketball career ahead of them to look forward to.

After separating ways with the team, Rukawa walks home (his place) with Sendou, hand in hand. However, he's no longer quiet as he starts telling Sendou everything that has happened, every bit of his experience along with the opponents that he's faced. It is a rare sight to hear him talk this much, but Sendou understands that he needs to let it out somehow and he's more than happy to be his listening ear.

They continue to walk home for a while talking and listening when suddenly Rukawa feels a tap on his shoulder, along with a voice in a foreign language he's familiar, yet not so familiar, with.

A very tall man: Excuse me, could you please tell us how to get to the train station from here?

The two turn around only to be shocked to see who it is standing in front of them. Michael Jordan is with his wife, both of them carrying a large backpack each along with a huge map in their hands. As far as the boys can tell, they’re probably backpack-traveling. Unfortunately, Rukawa is too stunned to react, and so Sendou tries his best to answer their question with his limited English.

(Note: The italicized words below are words spoken in English, but which sound horrible due to his Japlish accent and grammar. LOL)

Sendou: 从这里走 sutoreeto *points to his front* fifutiin minitto uokingu。*He does a ‘15’ with his fingers, then points to his watch before he does the ‘walking’ finger motion* 之后如果看到一个berii tooru burakku 的大厦 *does another hand motion* 就直接向右边 taan *does a turn hand signal* Torein suteeshon 就在那里。
Wife: ^^; Um, Michael, did you get that?
Michael: Uh… I think? ^^; *turns to Sendou* Well thank you very much for your help. We really appreciate it.

The two are about to go off in the direction Sendou points at when Rukawa finally wakes up to say his first words to the man.

Rukawa: 请。。。请你等一下！

Michael and wife pause and look back at the boy, wondering if he has something to ask. They may not understand Japanese, but they remembering hearing this one several times before. And though they may be tourists in a foreign country, they are aware that there are people who are likely to recognize them all over the world. Namely the husband. After holding them back, Rukawa hastily asks Sendou for help.

Rukawa: 仙道，告诉我你有支笔。
Sendou: 咦？我不知道。让我先找一找。

Luckily for Rukawa, Sendou finds a marker in his bag; he has brought his bag with him to keep his basketball in for a short self-practice before he picks Rukawa up. He now remembers that they’ve recently used the marker as a little game of punishment for the losing team during practice. At the same time, Rukawa digs out for his red Shohoku jersey (as there’s nothing else he can find) in his bag and pulls it out when Sendou’s found his pen. Holding the jersey and the pen with both hands, Rukawa bows over formally and asks the basketball professional for the biggest favor he’s ever asked anyone.

Rukawa: 请你在这里签个名。Puriizu!

Michael blinks at the boy for a few times, but then he gets it and gladly takes the jersey and pen in his hand, smiling at his enthusiasm.

Michael: Sure thing, but I’d have to borrow your back to sign this if you don’t mind.

Rukawa doesn’t understand what he said, and neither does Sendou, but body language and hand gestures often work wonders. In a few seconds, Rukawa finds himself holding onto and looking at what could just be his most invaluable possession. Michael Jordan has signed a giant signature over the front of his jersey to the bottom right of the number “11”. After staring at it deeply for a few seconds, Rukawa bows at them.

Rukawa: Sankyu berii macchi.

Seeing that Rukawa got himself a signature, Sendou decides that he may as well do the same just as a sort of souvenir, a memento. He ends up having Michael Jordan sign on the basketball he has in his bag and thanks him for it. The two are finally about to proceed to the train station again when Rukawa gathers all his courage to say one last thing to them.

Rukawa: Wan dei ai uiru join za NBA.? (One day I will join the NBA)

Michael looks at him, somewhat taken aback. But then he starts to smile.

Michael: That’s a very bold statement. I like that.
Rukawa: 《。。。？我听不懂。》
Michael: Well, good luck to you boys. I sure look forward to seeing you again on the same court some day.

And that’s when they finally leave, and the two boys continue to stare at their backs until they disappear around the corner. Sendou then looks over at Rukawa. He’s still staring off into the distance, holding tightly onto his jersey. He knows what he’s thinking. He knows what’s running through his head. And to be honest, he’s a little worried. The goal of his life has just appeared in front of him manifested in the form of a man, Michael Jordan. And he has just lost in the nationals. He understands the frustration he must be feeling to have gotten so close to his goal, but which is yet so far in reality. Sometimes, in a way, he almost feels glad to think that while he may be a skilled player with expectations from people all over the nation, he doesn’t have the same kind of fire in him that Rukawa has. The fire with a desire, an ambition, to burn as bright and tall as possible regardless of wind and rain. After all, he doesn’t remember ever thinking of joining the NBA.

Dismissing these thoughts, Sendou reaches over to hold Rukawa’s hand again before he smiles at him, proud.

Sendou: 好厉害的铭言。我想他回到美国后一定还会记得你。
Rukawa quietly looks down at his jersey: 。。。
Sendou: 可是在那之前, 我们最好还是多多练习英语吧。
Rukawa: -_-## 英语差的人是你吧。

Sendou laughs and apologizes. He has been worried if it’ll be a gloomy day for Rukawa all day today considering Shohoku’s defeat. He has thought that maybe the only way to help him is to let him vent everything at him. But here they are now, their spirits lightened thanks to heaven’s little blessing. It makes Sendou happy to see the light back in Rukawa’s eyes. And it gives Rukawa hope that the future is full of possibilities, and that time is still on his side for him to change things, for him to realize his dream.

--------------------------

A few days later (they have been given a few days' break) during Shohoku's first practice after the nationals...

Rukawa: 学姐。
Ayako: 怎么了？《真难得他会跟我说话呢。》
Rukawa: 关于我的十一号的队服。。。
Ayako: 嗯？*continues to listen*
Rukawa: 我那天不小心弄脏了, 可不可以请你帮我多订一套？
Ayako: 你弄脏了？
Sakuragi's ears perk up immediately: 《哦哦？他弄脏了？？》

Sakuragi slinks over to Rukawa's side and elbows him in the ribs, wiggling his eyebrows. It's actually not a surprise to many of them that he's managed to stand back up on his feet and return to his normal self again so soon after their defeat. He may be stubborn, and
he may be clumsy. But at the same time, he's also unbelievably optimistic, coupled with a ton of determination. They may have lost this time, but he's sworn to himself that they will just have to return their opponents the favor next time, without fail.

Sakuragi (still elbowing Rukawa): 喂? 你说你把你队服给弄脏了？*an extremely wide grin shows up on his face* 那到底是被什么东西弄脏的呢？？

All of those who know what he's getting at grow red in their cheeks, especially Miyagi.

Ayako: 如果弄脏洗一洗不就好了吗？
Rukawa: 关于那个。。。
Ayako: 。。。？
Rukawa: 。。。我不可以洗。
Ayako: 为什么不可以？
Rukawa: 。。。

Everyone else eavesdrops.

Rukawa: 。。。因为衣服上有别人的签名。

Everyone looks even more curious.

Ayako: 签名？*tilts her head* 是谁签的啊？

She can't ever imagine Rukawa having an idol. The image alone of him running after some celebrity is enough to give her goose bumps.

Rukawa: 。。。
All: 。。。？*ultra curious*
Rukawa: ...Michael Jordan.
Ayako: ._. 。。。咦？
Everyone else but Sakuragi: 咦咦咦咦？！
Sakuragi: ._. 咦？什么？什么嘛？？
Miyagi: 骗人！
Mitsui: 不是吧？？
Akagi: Michael Jordan... *is still surprised*

Seeing that everyone else seems to be in shock, Sakuragi wonders to himself what big star it could have been for everyone to react so greatly.

Sakuragi: 买个粥蛋。。。？《买个皮蛋粥？》
Miyagi: 难不成你不认识那个人吧？
Sakuragi thinks for a moment: Hmph! 我这天才哪可能不认识！
Mitsui: 哦？那你说一说啊。
Sakuragi: 说就说！买个粥蛋是。。。那个一直嗷来嗷去的黑人是吧！
Everyone: ._______.? .................

And then they burst into laughter, except Miyagi, who actually feels embarrassed that he's actually going out with someone of such incomparable stupidity.

Miyagi: 你这大笨蛋！！*whacks him in the head* 那个是 Michael Jackson啦！
Sakuragi puts his hands to his head: T__T 你为什么要打我？那不是同一个人吗？
Miyagi: -_-# 当然不是啦！

In the end, Ayako agrees to get a new jersey for Rukawa while everyone else further questions him in envy about how he got to meet the man. Rukawa signs, he knows that it'll come to this if he mentions about the signature. He can't be bothered to tell them much, but at least he tells them that they met on the streets. Period.

At the end of practice, sadly, Akagi announces that he will be leaving the team, along with Kogure, and that this will be their last practice with Shohoku's team. Mitsui, however, states that he will continue to stay with the team until the end of the winter tournament as he wishes to stay with them and basketball for as long as he can in his attempt to fill in the blank from the past two years which he greatly regrets.

Even though Shohoku is sad to lose two important figures, they know that they will continue to strive for this year has been a good stepping stone. A great one in fact. Everyone is excited to anticipate exactly how much more Sakuragi will grow before he even closes in on his potential. On the other hand, Rukawa can't wait to challenge　himself even further. He has to improve himself by a giant leap soon if he were to realize his goal and that desire has only grown larger and stronger since the day he met that man.

In a way, he has almost forgotten about their defeat in the nationals. Cause at this moment, all he's thinking about, all he's ever looking at, is to go beyond himself. It's no longer a competition with other people; it's a competition with the self. He knows he has to get past himself before he should even think of getting past others, be it the nationals or the NBA. For that very reason, Rukawa now dedicates himself even more to basketball, even though the way most people see it, he's already dedicated himself fully to basketball since the very beginning. But Sendou can tell. Sendou can tell the difference in Rukawa.

He can see the extra two hundred percent that he's giving in to his first love. It may be invisible to most people but it shows. It shows in the way he plays his game, it shows in the way he refuses to waste any single hour of the day on anything else. Sendou understands him. He knows what it is that defines Rukawa itself. This is what he is, who he is. He can't make him change his very own essence just because he's starting to feel somewhat lonely.

Rukawa has asked him to play one-on-one again one afternoon. He's determined to beat him this time while Sendou's determined to keep his winning streak. After all, he doesn't quite wish to think of how things may just change between them if he loses. It's the only thing Sendou's got to keep as a trump card, a way of keeping Rukawa by his side. It's cowardly, he knows, but he also knows that it's the only practical way.

It is so close. 9 points to 9. Rukawa's got the ball and he's dribbling it at an unpredictable pace between his legs. Sendou remembers this move. Rukawa rarely uses it, but he remembers as it’s the first technique he used against him to enter his first ball in the second half of the game during the final Ryonan Vs Shohoku match.

He watches Rukawa closely, prepared to block him no matter which way he intends to go. That’s when Rukawa goes for a sudden offense and penetrates through his defense, immediately dashing for the goal. Sendou has anticipated this; he catches up swiftly and leaps to block Rukawa’s dunk. But he hasn’t expected Rukawa to feign that and successfully score his final goal with a double clutch dunk.

Both of them land on the ground panting, their backs bent with their hands on their knees. Rukawa hasn’t said a word, and Sendou waits to see if he’d say something, but he remains quiet as he continues to take a breather. After a minute’s rest, Sendou quietly walks over and puts a hand on Rukawa’s shoulder, smiling.

Sendou: 恭喜你。

Rukawa straightens his back and looks back at Sendou, quiet.

Sendou: 你变的更强了。

Rukawa looks back down at the ground, his expression serious.

Rukawa: 还不够。。。这样还不够。

The smile slowly disappears from Sendou’s face. He’s getting this feeling that is hard to describe, a feeling he doesn’t like.

Rukawa: 我想要。。。我想要更强。

And then, he turns around to pick up the ball by the fence before throwing it back at Sendou.

Rukawa: 再来一次。

-----------------------------------

It’s night time and Rukawa’s staying over at Sendou’s place. He may not have shown it on his face, but he remembers that he has just beaten Sendou for the first time that evening. He can’t deny that he’s pleased, but at the same time he knows that that is nothing compared to the level that he has to eventually reach to fulfill his dream. Still, thanks to that he’s in a decently good mood, and he prefers to have some company in a mood like this.

The two have had dinner, along with shower, an hour or two ago. At the moment, they’re just relaxing on the bed, flipping through a few magazines. Well, to put it accurately, both of them are lying on the bed on their sides, but Rukawa’s the one flipping through an NBA magazine, and Sendou’s just reading along behind him, one arm over his head and the other over his hip.

Well okay, that’s not true. Sendou isn’t reading. His eyes are staring at the magazine but his mind definitely isn’t there. It feels so odd. Rukawa’s right here so close beside him, yet at the same time he feels so distant. That feeling he’s been getting recently is also getting to his head, frustrating him yet he doesn’t know what he can do about it. Rukawa hasn’t done anything wrong. He’s just being himself, and it’s not like Sendou doesn’t know how he’s like.

But there is something he doesn’t know. Or rather, something that he didn’t know. And now he thinks he’s beginning to understand it. For the first time ever, he thinks he’s starting to understand how Rina must have felt. How hard and ironic it must have been… to realize that you’re jealous of basketball.

Sendou: 流川。
Rukawa looks at him over his shoulder: 。。。？
Sendou: 我刚才输了。
Rukawa keeps quiet but continues to listen: 。。。
Sendou: 既然我输了, 你是不是不会再追我了？

Rukawa furrows his eyebrows a little, surprised to hear Sendou say such a thing. He shifts his body a little so that he can look at his face properly.

Rukawa: 你在说什么？就因为我打败你一次不表示我彻底地打败你。

Sendou is quiet. He continues to look into Rukawa’s eyes, but his expression is solemn.

Sendou: 那如果我彻底地输。。。你是不是不再需要我了？

Rukawa blinks in surprise. He doesn’t know what to say to him. To be honest, he doesn’t even quite understand what he means by that. He can only stare back into his eyes, wondering why they look so sad. On the other hand, Sendou feels a lump in his throat. It’s making him somewhat hard to breathe and it’s even harder for him to find the next words to say.

Why isn’t Rukawa answering him? Is that his way of avoiding the question? Or is he still trying to figure out the answer for himself? Sendou doesn’t know. At this point his mind isn’t exactly rational. He’s realized just how much he loves this man and he’s not even sure how it all began. All he knows is that he doesn’t want them to end up the way he and Rina did.

As he runs these thoughts through his head, Sendou leans over to kiss Rukawa on his lips. Rukawa is surprised, but he lets him and kisses back softly. They continue to kiss ever so gently until Rukawa flinches when he feels Sendou’s hand slide under his shirt. Breaking the kiss, he automatically stops Sendou’s hand with his own as he stares into the man’s eyes, his breathing slightly rigid.

Both men remain quiet for a while. It is an awkward situation but they know that they can’t just escape it. Finally, Sendou moves a hand up to brush his fingers across Rukawa’s face.

Sendou: 我想要更靠近你。。。我想要看你的一切。。。感觉你的一切。。。

Rukawa continues to look into his eyes, nervous when he comes to realize what Sendou is asking from him.

Sendou: 如果你不想我就停。。。所以我求求你。。。你说句话好吗。。。

Slowly, Rukawa moves his other hand up to hold Sendou’s in his by his cheek. It takes him a few seconds, but he does say it.

Rukawa: 我不介意。。。

For a moment it looks almost as if a tear’s going to trickle down Sendou’s face but it didn’t. Touched, he smiles at Rukawa and tightens the grip on his hand before he leans over to kiss him again. Rukawa can’t deny that he’s scared, cause he is. His body’s tense and his fingers tremble as they intertwine with Sendou’s, but he knows that it’ll be alright. He knows that he won’t regret it. Not with Sendou.

---------------------------

Sendou wakes up the next morning to the noise of shower in the bathroom. He stares at the bathroom door for a moment before he remembers what happened last night. He looks to his side to see the bed sheets ruffled. No, it wasn’t a dream. His heart races a little from the thought as he sits up on the bed, the blanket sliding down to his hip. He’s all naked; he’d better find something to wear before things get more awkward than it already is.

Sendou has just put on his pants that he finds on the floor when Rukawa steps out of the bathroom. He’s changed into his school uniform and looks all ready for school. The two of them clumsily stare at each other in silence for a moment, not knowing what to say. Eventually, Rukawa breaks the eye contact and picks up his bag.

Rukawa: 我先走了。。。
Sendou: 流川！

Quickly, Sendou walks over to hold him back by his hand. There’s still one more question he’s been meaning to ask for a while, only, he’s too afraid. But he’s not going to run away from it this time. Not anymore. He gazes at Rukawa intently and in a low voice, he asks.

Sendou: 我知道我不该问你, 但你可不可以实话告诉我。。。

Rukawa continues to look at him without averting his eyes.

Sendou: 我和篮球。。。你会选择哪个？

Rukawa stares at him for a long time as Sendou patiently waits for an answer. He remembers where he’s once heard this before. He also remembers what the answer has been. But he will not lie to himself. Not to anyone. Especially not to Sendou.

Rukawa: 我。。。

His gaze grows soft as he continues.

Rukawa: 我两个都选。

Sendou’s expression remains more or less unchanged. Is he reaction-less because of disappointment? Or is he reaction-less because he’s expected that answer?

Rukawa: 你呢？

That’s when Sendou reacts. He blinks as he continues to look at Rukawa in the eyes.

Rukawa: 你会选谁？

Sendou has thought about the possible answers he may get. He has also thought about the possible reactions Rukawa may give. But he has never thought for him to return him that very question. Perhaps it’s a minute, or maybe it’s more than that, but eventually Sendou pulls Rukawa into an embrace as he whispers into his ear.

Sendou: 我。。。

Feeling Rukawa return the embrace, he tightens his arms around him passionately.

Sendou: 我两个都爱。。。

Somewhere in his heart, a voice is telling him.

《原来。。。你在流川枫的心早已经和篮球一样重要。。。》

---------------------------

A few days later, Shohoku is having their usual practice when Anzai makes an announcement.

Anzai: 大家，不好意思突然告诉你们。一个小时后我们将会和陵南举行一场练习比赛。
All of them: 咦咦咦? ？？
Two them: 为什么又这么突然啊？？
The second year students: 陵南？？
Anzai: Hoh hoh hoh...

Miyagi, who is now appointed as captain steps forward to ask in curiosity.

Miyagi: 教练，这次为什么事情又这么突然呢？
Anzai: Hoh hoh hoh... 对方的教练亲自过来向我邀请--
Everyone interrupts out of reflex: 不是吧？？
Miyagi: 那么,为什么教练不早点告诉我们呢？
Anzai: Hoh hoh hoh...

Everyone awaits his reply.

Anzai: 不好意思，我忘记了。

A few of the boys fall over.

Sakuragi: 哦哦！这也不错！我管它是陵南还是谁，全都给我放马过来吧！反正跟自己人打根本不够挑战性。
Miyagi: 喂！*whacks him in the head* 那是什么意思嘛你！

Soon enough, team Ryonan arrives along with their coach Taoka, who repeatedly bows and thanks Anzai for agreeing to his request despite the short notice. As both teams warm up and prepare for the match, Ayako sits by her manager desk and readies her pen and notebook. She believes that this will be a good practice match for both teams and that it may help them regain their morale and to reevaluate the team’s strengths and weaknesses for the upcoming year. She is about to shout to both teams telling them that they have three more minutes to warm up when Anzai says something to her and all the people at the bench.

Anzai: 既然明年我们会以这一队参赛全国大赛，我们必须从新定义我们的强弱。虽然明年赤木和三井不在，但我们还是有宫城，樱木和流川。而且，明年我们还可以欢迎新一代的学生。现在，我非常期待看到明年较强的是湘北还是陵南。Hoh hoh hoh…

Ayako and all the boys on the bench sweatdrop at their coach’s unexpected sarcasm. On the other side, Hikoichi prepares his pen and notebook as well as he asks his coach in curiosity.

Hikoichi: 教练，和湘北练习比赛的确是个很好的主意，但是为什么一定要这么紧急呢？

Taoka, however, is not exactly listening to him as he’s busy mumbling to himself.

Taoka: 呼呼呼。。。你等着瞧吧，仙道。这下子我一定会查清事实，让你再也骗不了我！--> he sure hasn’t caught up with old news… LOL
Koshino sighs: 教练到底在自言自语说什么？

It feels somewhat awkward for Rukawa and Sendou to meet on the same court again under such a circumstance, but at the same time, they know that they are in fact excited to be able to play against each other in a real team match. After all, this would be the first time both teams have played against each other again since the inter-high preliminaries.

The match is about to begin and both teams get ready around the court. Akagi is no longer around with the team but Mitsui still is, and he can see the aura of rivalry coming from the aces of both schools. It is almost the same as the aura he’s seen from them during the preliminaries, but he can tell that there’s a tinge of difference. Smiling to himself, he watches them as they declare their statement of challenge in front of everyone.

Rukawa: 我是不会输的。
Sendou smiles:　我也不会。怎么说，我打算让你追我这一辈子。

—— The End ——

Author's notes:
Thank you so much for reading Senru Monogatari. I hope all you readers enjoyed the story.

Personally I am very satisfied with it, despite it being my first fanfic in 4-7 years. As the writer I highly look forward to your comments and feedback, so if you have any please feel free to email me at cat.wesker@gmail.com

I'd really, really appreciate it. ^__^!! *bows*

Cat Wesker