Because Rukawa is my first love. :)
He's just too hot in the anime I couldn't resist the urge to write him something fluffy.

*Reuploaded this one-shot I wrote years ago. I had to correct some grammar lapses and typos.*

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Rukawa Kaede of Slamdunk

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"Kae-chaannn~" You sang as you clung onto his long arm, earning a groan from the tall male. You ignored it and continued to tag along with him towards the basketball gym.

"What do you want this time?" He grumbled in an annoyed tone, not even glancing at you.

You pouted. "Nothing. Why are you so cold?"

He didn't respond to that and merely gave you a quick glance before ignoring you and your existence completely.

Rukawa Kaede had always been like that; cold and distant and simply didn't have a care for anything except basketball. And that's exactly why you loved to annoy the crap out of him. Seeing him so pissed off was fun, especially whenever he showed you that annoyed frown on his face. He would look so cute while glaring at you.

Well, you weren't not one of his fangirls. And as a matter of fact, you didn't like him at all at first. His attitude, his personality, and even his selfish basketball. He was simply what you call a solo flight in everything. Surely he was amazing and all, but what about teamwork? Did he even know what teamwork meant?

Despite your dislike for these types of people, however, you had decided to stay as close to him as possible. Your reasons were:

1) You two were in the same class.

2) He was from the basketball team and by hanging out with him, you could also get closer to your crush.

3) He was one of those few people who could bring out Sakuragi Hanamichi's adorable side. Especially whenever they started to fight.

Yes, you read it right. Mr. Self-proclaimed Basketball Genius was your crush.

You thought Sakuragi's stupidity and childishness were adorable. Like, wow! How naive of you, yeah? I mean, of all people. But you couldn't help it, you really found him interesting. You loved his history; of how he was once a delinquent but miraculously changed into a dedicated basketball player. Well, of course, you also knew the reason behind it: Akagi Haruko. The girl he was madly in love with. Knowing that broke your fragile heart, but you were fine with it.

You were happy as long as you could see him smiling happily, even if you weren't the reason for it. You were content with being just a friend to him. Although it hurt, you were getting the hang of it. Besides, it wasn't really like you to practically sulk just because your crush liked somebody else.

You would always come to watch the team practice every day, you even made friends with those barbaric players as well-and that included this raven-haired handsome introvert. Even though you barely talked, you considered yourself Rukawa's friend because you had spent a lot of time together. But, actually, most of those times you only got him pissed and annoyed by your constant nagging and daydreaming about Sakuragi Hanamichi.

"Let go of me." Rukawa complained as the both of you finally reached the gym, trying to shake your arms off which was grasping his.

"Oh." You let him go with a start, scratching the back of your head. "Sorry, Kae-chan."

Without another word he entered the gym, leaving you behind. You were already used to it so you didn't mind. Sighing, you stepped inside then greeted the people there with a smile. You frowned, however, when you noticed that they were all busy because of a commotion going on. You got curious so you decided to pry, walking closer to check what was happening.

"YOU IDIOT! HOW DARE YOU! I'LL KILL YOU!"

"OW! IT HURTS! RELAX, GORI!"

The team captain, Akagi Takenori, was giving off a demonic aura while pulling Sakuragi by the collar. The other team members were around, enjoying the scene and not even caring to separate the two. Well, who would dare touch Captain Akagi at his current state? Not even the Vice Captain, Kogore, could do something about the present situation.

Jeez. Akagi looked like a wild, scary gorilla so nobody had the guts to stop him from killing the redheaded male.

"What's going on?" You managed to ask Miyagi Ryota who was holding a ball while cheering Akagi on.

Wow, just wow!

He glanced at you through his shoulder. "Sakuragi's dating Haruko-chan now. Apparently, the captain can't accept it so he's trying to kill him."

"Lucky bastard." The team's shooting guard, Mitsui Hisashi, added while shrugging his broad shoulders.

Sakuragi's dating Haruko-chan now...

Just like that, you felt like the world around closed in on you as your chest began to tighten painfully. You had never seen that coming.

You thought Haruko liked Rukawa and that Sakuragi didn't stand a chance, but what was the meaning of this?

Did she finally accept his feelings?

"[Last Name]-chan?" You heard Ayako's, the team manager, voice beside you. She was looking at you with a worried frown.

You snapped out of your trance and blinked back the tears that were starting to form in your eyes. "W-What?"

"Are you okay?"

You flashed her a smile, nodding your head. "Yes, of course."

As the ruckus went on, you secretly made your way out of the gym without anyone noticing. You wanted to cry, you wanted to cry and cry until you couldn't cry for Sakuragi Hanamichi anymore.

A pair of worried eyes watched you as you hurriedly left, he followed you as you stormed off into the back part of the gym. Of all people, Rukawa Kaede knew your pain the most.

You weren't supposed to mean anything to him, he didn't know what happened-he didn't know why that changed suddenly. Perhaps it was because you were the only person who could adapt to his personality, and that actually meant so much to him. Yes, you were annoying, not because you were clingy but because all you talked about was that stupid Sakuragi whenever you were with him. He knew that you liked the idiot and he really thought you were stupid because of that. Now, see what he meant?

"[First Name]."

You flinched, immediately looking up at the man who was towering over you. You were busy crying so you didn't even notice him. "What are you doing here?"

"No. What are you doing here?"

A tick mark formed on your head as you wiped the tears off your face. "I asked you first."

He didn't respond and merely looked at you with a serious expression. You sighed, patting his shoulder lightly. You knew he was just trying to comfort you in his own way. "Thanks for coming. You should get back there, they'll look for you."

Much to your surprise, however, he grabbed both of your wrists, pushing you against the wall and pinning your arms above your head. Suddenly, you felt so weak in the knees and your heart started to pound inside your chest. "What the actual hell are you doing?"

"Look at me, [First Name]!"

Your eyes widened upon hearing the force in his voice. It was the first time he raised his voice at you. "W-What are you talking about? I am looking at you."

His jaw tensed. "No, you're not! Your eyes are still for that stupid guy! You're looking at me but you're not really seeing!"

You released a loud gasp. What?

When he finally let go of your wrists, they fell down to your sides; lifeless. You didn't know what to say. Somehow what he said struck something inside you. It left you dazed and shocked.

"I'm right here for you, [First Name]. You needn't waste a tear for him because I can make you feel better. I'll be right here, so take your eyes off of him and look at me!"

There was silence as the both of you stood there face to face.

Blinking back the tears blurring your sight, you fixed your eyes at the male in front of you. His silky black hair was slowly swaying because of the wind, his usual emotionless eyes were staring at you with anticipation, and his beautiful lips were slightly parted as he waited for your response. And he was so beautiful..

Yeah, right. He's here for me.

Tears started to stream down to your cheeks once again as realization finally dawned on you. He quickly wiped the droplets of liquid away, caressing your cheek softly. You gave him a gentle smile as you placed a hand on top of his, pressing his rough palm against your soft skin even more.

It was strangely warm and comforting.

"Thank you. You-" You were not able to finish what you were going to say because he suddenly crashed his lips to yours, clashing both of your teeth together in the process. It made a funny sound. It was obvious he wasn't experienced with kissing.

When he finally pulled away, you couldn't help but laugh at what just happened. "That was embarrassing. You surprised me, Kae-chan."

"Then..." Rukawa trailed off deliberately, pulling you closer by the waist while giving you a sexy smile. "I'll kiss you again, [First Name]. Please prepare yourself."