Fate, Reason, and Destiny - Chapter 5 **Tuesday** Sunny arrived at school, and yawned. She had stayed home on Monday because she had got a slightly cold. Sneezing suddenly, she arrived into school with a frown on her face. “I ab neber going to go on another trib again, neber!” she yelled out. “Sunny?” Sunny turned, and smiled. “Mitsui Sembai. I’m sorry, I’b got a cold.” He chuckled. “Haruko was wondering why you didn’t come to school yesterday. I’m glad to see that you are all right.” He winked. Sunny smiled back, immediately cheered up. “Well, I’b glad I’b back in school.” She made a face. “It was so boring at home! My computer hasn’t even arrived yet!” **Lunch** She spent lunchtime alone in the classroom. It was too cold to go outside, and she was feeling horrible. Yawning, she could barely keep her eyes open. She smiled. She had called home, saying that she was to go over to a friend’s house again. She had assured her that this time, she didn’t have to worry if she was late. Today would be the last day she needed to help Rukawa out. **After school** Practice was cancelled today for some odd reason. As she waited outside for Rukawa, she stifled another yawn. She was so tired…. Waiting, she heard the gravel crack, and turned to see him wheel his bike towards her. Upon spotting her, he frowned, and ignored her. Today, she was too tired to talk, and as they made their way towards his house, she almost nodded off while waiting for him to open the door. The house was still reasonably clean, and he went back upstairs. Cleaning up and calling Chinese takeout, she walked over to the couch. Maybe she would rest her eyes a little bit until the food came. She felt something light and feathery fall across her back, and opened her eyes slightly to see Rukawa standing back up. “Arigatou.” She woke up, and yawned. Stretching, she suddenly realized where she was and jumped back up into sitting position. Rukawa had his back towards her as he was collecting the Chinese takeout. She watched for a moment, watched as he took it over to the dining table and said softly. “What time is it?” He turned, and looked at her. “7. They lost my address.” He shook his head. He looked up at her for a moment. Sunny suddenly felt very self-conscience. Smoothing her hair back down, she smiled at him. Silence. “Hungry?” Sunny looked up, startled, and smiled. “Famished.” Making her way towards him, they sat opposite each other, eating in silence. She stayed like that for a moment, and smiled. “Tomorrow is your game, isn’t it?” she asked quietly. He nodded. “We will win the first game. If Ryonan loses against Kainan, we play them.” He looked up at her for a moment. She sighed. “I’ll be there, you know. Well, maybe not in the beginning. I’ve got to go grocery shopping for my mom. My Japanese is better than hers, so I have to do the shopping… but I’ll be there.” She smiled. “I promise.” **A lot later** Rukawa’s predictions were correct. They won against Ryonan, but just barely. Sunny had watched the entire thing, and had marveled at the way they had played. They were to go into Inter High, and she had been so proud when Rukawa was named as one of the 5 best players. The days went by pretty quickly. They lost the Inter High; it ended before Christmas, yet no one was really upset. It was a miracle that they had actually gone that far… or at least people said. Sakuragi was in rehab because of his back, and a lot of people missed him. Rukawa seemed different somehow, more ruthless. He was to go away, to become the best in Japan, yet he was not supposed to leave until January. It was almost Christmas soon, and Sunny had the time of her life picking out presents. She was invited to a party at Haruko’s. It was to be Sakuragi’s last before he went into rehab. **At the party** She was having fun, she knew she was having fun. And she never really had fun at parties. “Go Haruko!” She turned suddenly, to see Haruko standing under mistletoe. Sakuragi was at the other side of the room, and deeply regretting it. She peered behind her to see who the guy was… And stared right back into Rukawa’s cool blue eyes. She watched for a moment, and watched as Haruko turned to kiss Rukawa on the lips. He stood there, motionless, and Haruko blushed. And Sunny remembered. I like this guy a lot. But I’m not suppose to. Because Haruko likes him. “Sunny? The phone, its your mother.” Sunny looked back, startled. Picking up the phone, she had a quiet conversation with her mother before hanging up. Feeling queasy, she looked up at Akagi and smiled. “I’m sorry, I promised my mother I’d be back at 11… its 10:30 now, so I’ve got to start heading back.” She knew this was cowardly, yet she couldn’t bare the thought of being stuck here, feeling guilty because she liked Rukawa. “But we were to open the presents at midnight!” Mitsui protested. Sunny smiled. “I guess I’ll have to open them a little later.” She said. Her thoughts were on the phone call, and she sighed. “Here, I’ll leave my presents here.” She said, placing a bunch of neatly wrapped boxes onto a table. She smiled. “Merry Christmas.” She left the place in a hurry, and walked quickly. She sighed. She had lied, her mother wasn’t expecting her at 11, but she had to leave. After what she had said, she couldn’t stay. Especially not since she was too busy feeling guilty about Rukawa. Looking around, she saw a set of swings, and walked towards it. Sitting down, she leaned against one of the sides, and bit back a curse as she felt something sharp jab her. Pulling it out of her pocket, she looked down at Rukawa’s present. I guess I have to give it to him back at school. She sat there for a moment, thinking. Suddenly she heard a bell chime. Looking down at her watch, her eyes widened. It was already 12? Gong She sat there, looking down at her hands. She had to tell everyone soon. Gong She counted the ringing of the bell until the 10th one, and decided to leave. Looking forwards, she frowned when she saw a figure moving towards her. Who was this? At the sight of black hair, her breath stopped. Rukawa?! He walked towards her, his eyes watching her until they stood in front of each other. Sighing, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a present wrapped in silver. She reached into hers and gave him her present. They were sitting side-by-side, unwrapping presents. He had given her a cookbook, and she laughed. “I guess I will have to try this out on you, hmm?” she teased. She had given him a silver clock with a alarm. He looked up at her, surprised. “So you’re never late for class, and you get enough sleep.” He stared at her for a moment… And smiled. Sunny’s breath stopped again, admiring the gaze. Wow…. She smiled back. “You should smile more often.” She said quietly. She sighed, and got up. “Well, I’ve got to be going Rukawa-san. I’ll… I’ll be seeing you. Remember, we all have to get together on New Years Eve and celebrate it together.” She smiled. She headed out of the playground, and turned once more. “I’ll see you then, Rukawa-san!” she yelled. And waved. “Thank you for your present!” she turned. “Kaede.” Pausing, she looked back. “Hmm?” “My name is Kaede.” Sunny stood there for a moment, and her face broke into a smile. “Kaede…” she whispered. “Sayonara Kaede!” she yelled, and blew him a kiss.” “Sayonara Sunny…” To be Continued... **Previous ** Next **