THE MOMENT

"Love, it heals all wounds."

Another school year has ended and it was quite a whirlwind. She is now the new team manager and Rukawa has just been made captain. The redhead blew a fuse at the announcement, but Anzai sensei was able to calm him down by declaring that he is the new vice-captain and the secret weapon of the team. Hanamichi made a song and dance number while everyone else sweatdropped.

"Do'ahou."

"Teme Kitsune."

And they were suddenly in a flare of fist fight. She laughed at their childish antics. When the other members were able to pry them apart, she smiled, a smile that was full of content and happiness. It took quite awhile to get over Rukawa but with the help of her friends and time, she finally got over him. Hanamichi felt very guilty over the situation but she didn't let it bother the special friendship that she shared with him.

She was caught up in her musing, that she failed to detect a presence that stood next to her.

"Hey," he said.

Waking up from her reverie, she turned to the person beside her, bequeathing him with a smile, she answered, "Hey, to you too."

"Uhm," he was fidgeting.

Haruko found this very cute and attractive.

"I want to give you this before we have dinner tonight." He said, pulling out a small package from his pants pocket.

She accepted the small package and before she could ask what it was, he quickly mumbled an excuse and left the gym.

Haruko dropped her clipboard and analyzed the small package. She opened the velvet box and gasped. Inside was a beautiful pearl bracelet and on one side she saw a note.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Haruko,

I know it has been an unbelievalbe year for us but I promise you I will never fail in loving you. You helped be become a better man not only for myself but for you most specially. Thank you for loving me so and for completely accepting me for who I am. Because of your love, you have given me purpose in life. You make me want to become somebody. You inspire me everyday and for that I love you so much! I am truly blessed to have you by my side. Thank You.

Love lots,

Yohei.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Haruko felt her eyes sting. A lot did change in the past year, and when she had learned to open her heart again, she wouldn't have expected that love was beside her all along.

She clasped the bracelet around her risk and admired it. Her heart swelled as she ran her fingers along the pearl beads.

Thank you too Yohei for everything, for always being so understanding and patient.

Practice ended early and everyone had left the gym. Hanamichi and Rukawa were lounging by the school gates as they waited for Haruko and Yohei.

"What's taking them so long?" Hanamichi was already bored.

"Do'ahou, you're always impatient." Rukawa retorted.

"Well, it's a reservation; we have to be there 30 minutes before the time." Hanamichi glared. "And don't call me a do'ahou." He quickly added.

A shuffle from the distant took their attention and they saw Haruko walking with Yohei. But, before they reached the gate, Yohei, stopped and stared intently at Haruko.

"I'm happy you like it."

"I love it." She corrected.

The moon cascaded a beautiful glow on Haruko, making her look ethereal. Yohei was mesmerized. Next thing, he knew his lips had found their way into hers. And for that moment, everything froze. He kissed her with all the passion he could possibly muster and Haruko responded just as deeply.

Hanamichi and Rukawa were watching them. Hanamichi's heart swelled for their happiness.

"I'm really happy for them, Kaede."

Rukawa nodded.

The two parted when breathing finally became impossible.

"I love you." Yohei whispered.

"I love you too."

The two stood embraced for awhile until the redhead called out.

"Hey, you two lovebirds, get a going already!"

The two chuckled when they realized the scene they had just made. Yohei innocently scratched his head while Haruko giggled.

The two quickly made there way to the gate while Rukawa hailed a cab. Hanamichi taunted Yohei for being so lovey-dovey and Haruko just laughed at their behavior.

It was definitely going to be a beautiful night.

The End

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This fic is dedicated to all RuHanaRu fans.

I'm sorry for revamping this fic. But, the Haruko situation had been bugging me for years. And I just wanted her fair share in love too, thus resulting in chapter 9.

I do plan to make other fics but now I am really considering a YoHaru pairing but of course, there will always be the main RuHana pairing.

It's been years since I last made a fic and revamping this one inspired me to start some new ones. Though, they are all in the process. I hope I could finish one before January ends. Wish me luck.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review my work. I greatly appreciate all your time and effort.

May our love for RuHana and Slam Dunk live on forever.