Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Miyuki Kazuya considered himself to be the kind of person who was almost impossible to get a rise out of. He was pretty much used to the constant teasings by his teammates and he always had a great comeback for every single one of them without any stuttering. However, even though he still managed to overcome most of the banters it seemed that they wouldn’t stop anytime soon. Something as unnecessary and time consuming as those conversations kept only annoying him, until eventually Kazuya had enough.

“Hyahaa, look at that, the team captain already slacking off!”

Ahh, the main cause of his annoyance himself. Kazuya glanced back irritatedly at Kuramochi while he picked up his bag. He had spent his whole afternoon on the field, only barely managed to keep the two most troublesome pitchers in the team at peace and sparing some time for Kawakami, too, all the while not forgetting to practice batting either, because eventually he was somehow still the clean-up hitter.

So really, leaving at 8PM wasn’t something that he deserved any kind of belittling comment for, especially when he could hardly concentrate and he only got lucky that he didn’t bump into a wall on his way out.

He almost reached the gym’s door when he heard Kuramochi laughing aloud once again.

“I bet you just don’t want to miss a new episode of some romantic show, hyahahaa!”

It took Kazuya all his efforts not to drop his bag and confront his ‘friend’ then and there. Instead he took in a deep breath and fumed quietly while he excused himself and left the gym. He didn’t deserve this. Kuramochi had been sitting on quite a high horse lately ever since they won their last game, because in the ninth inning he managed to score thanks to his cheetah-like speed. But still, Kazuya really wanted to get a payback for having to deal with his neverending taunts.

He considered his options; of course he could lower himself to constantly retort something at him, but he found it too much trouble. Second option: somehow make Kuramochi embarrassed in front of the whole team. Now that wouldn’t be easy either, and he knew that he should probably focus on baseball and his studies instead. He sighed a little and looked around. He caught a glimpse of the two first-year pitchers accompanied by little Kominato standing in front of a vending machine and he didn’t even have to pay attention to hear Sawamura’s shouts. How the hell did they still have that much energy even that late…

Third option: make Kuramochi’s life hell by taking something away from him. Well, watching Sawamura’s back as he loudly exclaimed something to Furuya about the excellence of the orange juice he had come up with a sudden idea. He already knew how much Kuramochi teased his roommate about his childhood friend and how much he wanted to get her phone number. Well, what kind of expression would he make if he would find out that Kazuya was going out with her…

He shook his head immediately. Nah, it would mean even more trouble than his previous options combined. Asking for her phone number, getting to know her, trying to meet with her even though she lived miles away from him, all the while bearing Sawamura’s suspicious glances and constant questionings, and of course, eventually breaking her heart that would most likely effect his relationship with Sawamura himself somehow…

Wait. He came to a halt and put his hands on his hips as he watched the three boys walking towards the field with their drinks in their hands. He probably could cause some damage with his third option in Kuramochi, but what if… what if he would find someone who spends most of his time with Kuramochi, who suffers just as much from his torments as he did, who would definitely double the effect of his little revenge…

He was now grinning evilly and he knew that the fourth option was a perfect idea, since it required only a blunt and naïve person for that and, of course, himself. He raised his hand a bit.

“Hey, Sawamura, come here for a sec!”

--

Eijun never had a lucky day like that before; somehow everything seemed to work out perfectly. No matter what he did, it somehow turned out to be the way he wanted, and when he knew most of the answers for the teacher’s questions – who looked just as stunned as he felt – and then during the afternoon practice he got paired up with Miyuki he just couldn’t stop smiling. At one point he even broke into dance and he only stopped when Kanemaru threatened to throw his bat at him.

So really, this day was just a wonderful ride that he didn’t want to get off from. He decided to enjoy this lucky day for as long as he could and after practice was over he stayed behind with Furuya and Haruichi to run a little. He even offered to buy them something from the vending machine when a familiar voice reached him.

“Hey, Sawamura, come here for a sec!”

Eijun turned around and saw Miyuki waving at their direction. He couldn’t help but instantly began grinning at that; usually it was him who was constantly fighting for the annoying main catcher’s attention, and now he was the one calling him? He pinched his arm a couple times but no, he wasn’t dreaming.

He turned to look at Furuya and Haruichi, and bowed a little apologetically.

“Sorry guys, can you go ahead? I’ll catch up later.”

“Sure. But hurry up; it was your idea after all.” Haruichi said with a small smile and guided Furuya towards the field. Eijun run a bit until he reached Miyuki and he came to a halt a few feet away from him. Even though it was definitely his lucky day he didn’t want to risk ruining it now.

“What is it?” His question came out more like a grunt but Miyuki only laughed at that and he even stepped closer to him. Eijun considered stepping backwards but he didn’t want to seem like a coward in the older boy’s eyes, because he would surely tease him with that for the rest of his life.

Miyuki crossed his arms over his chest and bent forward a little.

“Now, now, I have a promising idea and I want you to hear me out.”

“Uhh, can I say no?” Seeing Miyuki’s almost hungry expression made him feel like as if he was his prey, and even the thought of it scared Eijun.

“I promise you that it will satisfy the both of us.” He said with a glance that sent shivers down on Eijun’s spine. He desperately wanted to run away but he couldn’t even take one step.

Somewhere deep in his mind he was sure that his lucky day was about to end when he finally nodded a little.

“Okay. So, what is it?”

Miyuki’s grin became wider and he put his arm over Eijun’s shoulder to bring himself closer to him and it didn’t help Eijun’s situation at all.

“I have a magnificent idea how to take revenge on Kuramochi. Are you in?”

Now that was something the younger boy wasn’t expecting. His fear suddenly vanished and turned his head to look at Miyuki, whose face was ridiculously close to his. Still, neither of them backed out.

“I’m listening.”

“I want you to go out with me.”

Eijun blinked. Then he blinked again. Nah, he probably just misheard it.

“I’m listening.” He repeated with the same tone as before. If possible, Miyuki leaned even closer to him.

“You. Me. In a relationship.”

“In a re-“

“Come on, Sawamura, you can’t be that slow!” Miyuki sighed but his gaze never wavered. “I want you to go out with me for two weeks to drive Kuramochi crazy.”

Eijun kept staring back at him blankly but his mind just couldn’t process what was happening. What the hell was Miyuki even talking about?! Something about Kuramochi… yeah, he wanted revenge on him for something… that sounded about right… but then Eijun… to be in…

“WHAT?!” He shouted and tried to push Miyuki away but the older boy’s hold was too strong on his shoulder. “MIYUKI KAZUYA, HAVE YOU COMPLETELY LOST Y-“

“Ssssh, there’s no need to shout…”

“I HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO SHOUT, when you… when you say something like that…” He finished his sentence quietly and he turned his head away when he felt that his cheeks were almost painfully warm. He knew that his reaction was only the result of the countless shoujo manga that he had read so far, but still… What even was Miyuki thinking?!

It seemed that he didn’t notice the blush on Eijun’s cheeks as he snickered and lowered his tone.

“Just let me explain, okay?” He continued when Eijun nodded again. “Kuramochi is ridiculously irritating lately and I want to give him a pretty payback for the past weeks. Just imagine how we could tease him constantly with this!”

“With what?” Eijun asked back even though he was suspecting what the older boy had in mind.

“With us! We just have to act like a couple and he wouldn’t even be able to look at our direction, not to mention he wouldn’t dare teasing me anymore! And you’re his roommate, so you can call me over freely if he gets too annoying!”

Somewhere Eijun knew that Miyuki’s idea was just ridiculous. It made a little sense but still, pretend to go out with him just to annoy someone? What does that say about Miyuki… And what does that say about Eijun, who found himself seriously considering the idea?!

Sure, Kuramochi was practicing his wrestling moves on him more often than usual, and he was using his senpai-cards lately day and night and ordering Eijun around like he owned the whole place. It would be pretty funny to see his reaction… But would it be worth it? Miyuki said two weeks, but it seemed like an eternity…

Then he thought about the fact that he could ask him to catch for him whenever he wanted and immediately began grinning evilly, matching Miyuki’s expression.

“Two weeks? And what do I get for it?”

“You little…” Miyuki’s grin faded a little and Eijun’s one only widened at that. Hah. He had the upper hand now. “You can ask me one thing when it’s over.”

“Anything?”

“Anything that wouldn’t involve me running around the field naked.”

Eijun pretended to be disappointed at that.

“Okay fine. But what are the rules?”

“For what?”

“For, umm… this!” Eijun pointed at his own and then at Miyuki’s chest. “Us?”

“Oh! Just act like as if we’re a couple now. In the end you can break up with me as dramatically as you want.”

“But… Do we, umm… Do we kiss?” Eijun whispered and he felt that his cheeks must’ve been burning now. Miyuki looked a bit taken aback but he quickly brushed it off with a laugh.

“Only if you want. We’re still a fresh couple after all.”

It was a crazy idea, and Eijun knew that he should decline it right then but upon seeing Miyuki’s convincing and cheerful glance he just couldn’t. And even he had to admit that it seemed to be pretty fun.

Maybe he would regret it later but now he just decided to go with the flow. It was his lucky day, right? What could go wrong…

“Okay then. I’m in.”

Chapter Text

Even though Kazuya was pretty much used to the many sleepless nights that he had to endure so far, still, he found it quite irritating that no matter which position he chose he just couldn’t fall asleep. He slightly opened his eyes and when he noticed the light coming in through the small space left between the window and the curtain he grunted loudly. So it was already dawn then…

He sat up on the bed and looked menacingly at every object in his room even though he could only barely see without his glasses. This day was going to feel like hell, he was sure of it, especially if the coach would be as harsh with their practice as the day before. And he didn’t even finish his homework last night…

However, when he suddenly remembered what kind of agreement he had made with a certain idiot his lips instantly quirked up. For Kazuya boredom was something that he always tried to avoid and he kept searching for things that could entertain him. That’s why he immediately fell in love with the catcher’s position, since it was definitely the most exciting and difficult one. And that little agreement of theirs seemed to be quite promising, too, especially if they could manage to shut Kuramochi up.

He blindly reached for his glasses and got up to begin stretching. Now he didn’t want to skip the day that much. He wondered how that idiot would act today, and when he remembered their talk last night his smile only widened.

Sawamura eventually freed himself from his grip and squinted up at him.

“So, all we have to do is call each other funny names and… and stuff?”

Kazuya was almost impressed by his lack of knowledge in this area since he knew how much shoujo manga the younger boy was reading lately. Maybe he was just as bad at studying them as he was with his usual subjects…

It was a perfect opportunity to tease him for that and Kazuya quickly took advantage of the situation.

“Stuff?” He repeated and was awarded with a scowl.

“Umm, you know…” Sawamura looked so flustered that Kazuya almost wished he had a camera with him. “Like… holding hands?”

Aww, such innocence…

“Anything else?”

“Umm… going on dates?”

Such sweet naivety…

He took one step forward and glared at the younger boy without blinking. He was now so close to him that their chests were almost touching and he felt something like excitement of their new situation thrilling through him. This was going to be more fun than he first imagined.

“You can be more straightforward. I wouldn’t mind.”

Sawamura’s scowl deepened at that.

“Of course you wouldn’t. You have a nasty personality, Miyuki Kazuya.”

“Why, thank you.”

“IT WASN’T A COMPLIMENT!”

Kazuya yawned and left his bed to change his clothes. He was still smiling at Sawamura’s somehow bold reaction and he hoped that he could get out more of it soon. It was almost like killing two birds with one stone; getting revenge on Kuramochi and teasing Sawamura constantly for two weeks without any boundaries. Like really, what else could he even wish for?

He walked to the cafeteria with a huge and content smile on his face which didn’t fade at all, not even when he got some suspicious glances from some teammates on his way. Unfortunately for him he didn’t met Kuramochi, but really, he still had the whole day left to rub their new relationship under his nose, so his mood stayed on top, and when he heard a familiar voice coming out from the cafeteria’s building his smile quickly turned into a grin.

If he couldn’t tease Kuramochi then he just had settle for Sawamura then. Or his boyfriend, he reminded himself. It was still pretty weird, but no matter how he looked at it their new and fake relationship held more upsides than downsides. And after two weeks everything would go back to as it was before, so Kazuya had absolutely nothing to lose.

He didn’t have to scan the cafeteria for long to find the source of that loud and so annoying shouting and he quickly picked up a tray and walked up to him without looking anywhere else. Sawamura was currently absorbed in a heated conversation – or it was just him being loud, who knows – with Haruichi and Kanemaru, who seemingly tried their best to calm the boy down with no success whatsoever.

Kazuya tried to suppress his devilish grin a bit as he slammed his tray down next to Sawamura’s and slowly sat down.

“Morning, Miyuki-senpai!” Kanemaru and Haruichi greeted him but Sawamura was still glaring almost menacingly at Kanemaru, ignoring Kazuya’s attempt to gain his attention. Okay, maybe he just has to be a bit more direct with this idiot.

“I hope you didn’t stay behind for too long last night.” He said smoothly while watching Sawamura’s expression carefully, waiting for a great comeback or really, anything. But it seemed that the younger boy was just as slow on the uptake as always. Of course he wouldn’t make it easier for Kazuya…

He kicked his shin lightly under the table – hoping that it was really his – and he hid his grin behind his hand when Sawamura arched up.

“Did you just seriously kick me?!” He hissed and Kazuya’s hand moved from his mouth to his eyes. Oh god, maybe he shouldn’t have picked the most idiot person for his plan after all.

But wait a second… No matter how blunt Sawamura was it was still incredible to be that slow. Kazuya glanced over his fingers at him and raised his eyebrows a bit.

Could it be… could it be that he had forgotten their agreement?!

--

Eijun was on the brink of shouting at Miyuki, who just happened to sit at the same table as him and kept bothering Eijun, even though the younger boy had a few points that he wanted to prove to Kanemaru; like the fact that they won’t have an English test that day and that’s why he didn’t study for that. Unfortunately for him it seemed that he wasn’t completely right with that but he really tried his best not to give in.

That was when Miyuki plopped down next to him and even though Eijun was happy that he chose their – and his – company it was really not the best time for him, when he was that close to admit that he was wrong. And he eventually would have to admit it aloud, too, and bear the consequences – as known as Kanemaru’s threats. And a failed test. Oh god.

Miyuki’s leg brushed against his one more time and Eijun almost spat his tea at Kanemaru’s annoying face. It wasn’t a kick at all, but more like a thing that couples do in occasions like this one. The tip of Miyuki’s shoe went up slowly on Eijun’s shin and then back down once he reached his knee. Eijun was blinking uncontrollably while trying to regain his senses. It was exactly like Miyuki to tease someone that way, and maybe he just happened to be his next victim… But why on a grim day like this one, when yesterday was his absolute lucky day…

Wait a second.

“Oh.” He breathed out weekly and noticed how Kanemaru leaned back on his seat with a smug expression.

“That’s right. It was about time for you to realize how badly you just messed it up. You know what a failed subject would mean, don’t you?”

Eijun had no idea what he was talking about. He glanced at Miyuki out of the corner of his eye and saw that he had a smug expression on too, if possible even more so than Kanemaru. Oh. Apparently Eijun didn’t just forget about his upcoming test.

Kanemaru kept talking but it seemed that probably only Haruichi was the only one paying attention to him.

“You will get kicked out of the first-string, Sawamura, and honestly, I think you wouldn’t be able to survive that. So you either skip today’s class with an excuse like you were sick or something, or you beg the teacher to give you one more chance.”

Miyuki’s lopsided smile was so irritating that Eijun wanted nothing more but to brush it off with a well-set punch. When he finally retreated his leg Eijun quickly kicked his in return.

Unfortunately it wasn’t Miyuki’s.

“What the hell, Sawamura?!” Kanemaru put up his hands in question. Eijun was trying his best not to shout at something in his defense or not to burst out laughing but it wasn’t easy at all, especially not when Miyuki was probably still glaring at him that attentively. But what the hell was he supposed to do now? They were a couple now apparently, but Kuramochi wasn’t there to prove it to him. So no matter how Eijun looked at it, it seemed that Miyuki was only teasing him now. Quite successfully though.

But two can play at that game.

“I’m sorry, Miyuki-senpai distracted me.” He apologized and focused on nothing else but his breakfast, while waiting for a reaction from either boy. Of course it was Miyuki who spoke up first.

“What exactly have I done to distract you, Sawamura?” He asked in a clearly amused tone and it was already the second time that day that Eijun wanted to punch him, and it wasn’t even 7AM yet. When his leg found his once again Eijun fumed quietly.

“Where should I even start…” He mumbled and got up to his feet. “Kanemaru, can you help me during practice? Maybe I can learn a bit English between pitches…”

“Like you can focus on anything but baseball…”

Eijun ignored him and turned to look at Miyuki, who was still glaring up at him ridiculously smugly. Now, what should he do… There was no Kuramochi nearby, so their ‘plan’ or whatever it was shouldn’t come into force yet. But he couldn’t just ignore the way Miyuki was treating him, right?

After all, they were a couple now.

He smiled innocently as he reached out and touched Miyuki’s hand that was lingering on the table for barely a second before he turned around to leave the cafeteria as quickly as possible. Maybe Kanemaru and Haruichi would probably think that something had gotten into him and not look more into that little touch, but he was absolutely sure that Miyuki would understand the unsaid words behind it.

It’s your turn.

Chapter Text

The first day of their pretend relationship was one of Kazuya’s longest days in his life. The way that little brat left him in the morning in the cafeteria… Kazuya somehow thought that he would be able to play with Sawamura’s feelings a bit in this new kind of relationship besides paying his revenge for Kuramochi, but it seemed that he had greatly underestimated him. That little touch with his hand said it all.

And now it was up to Kazuya to decide what to do next. Concentrating in class was almost impossible for him when his thoughts were that occupied, but fortunately for him none of the teachers paid attention to his haziness. The same couldn’t be said about Kuramochi though.

“We don’t have a match for a whole month, what the hell are you so spaced out for?!”

Kazuya turned his head to look out the window instead of having to bear Kuramochi’s irritating glance. They only had one more class to endure before afternoon practice would begin, where he would finally be able to confront that idiot. He noticed out of the corner of his eyes that Kuramochi was about to say something so Kazuya quickly interrupted him with the first thing that came to his mind.

“I’m going out with someone.”

He almost burst out laughing at the other boy’s shocked expression. Oh god, if he knew that this would be that entertaining he would’ve talked to Sawamura much sooner.

Kuramochi looked like he couldn’t quite process this new improvement.

“Are you… are you serious?” He whispered and stepped closer to Kazuya’s desk even though the teacher would now come in at any moment. “But you always refused any confession you got!”

Ahh, now that he thought about it he really did, because ‘baseball was his top priority’, as he always reminded everyone who had gathered the courage to confess to him. But now this was only a game, even if only him and Sawamura knew that. Kazuya couldn’t wait to see Kuramochi’s expression when he would realize who he was talking about… But he wanted to see Sawamura’s reaction, too, so he just couldn’t ruin that moment with telling him that now.

“It’s different this time.” He shrugged and enjoyed watching the way Kuramochi’s expression changed from shocked to a bit disgusted. Another weak point that he had to remember. “Because now the feeling is mutual.”

Fortunately the teacher saved Kuramochi who seemed to be at quite a loss. Kazuya watched with a satisfied smile as he stumbled back to his own desk. If he could get a reaction like that out of him without even mentioning Sawamura’s name then what would happen when he finds that small detail out…

Kazuya clicked the tip of his pen a couple times while he hid his grin behind his left hand. He had managed to think up five different scenarios so far as to how to tell – or more accurately, how to demonstrate – Kuramochi the other part of his relationship, but he wasn’t quite satisfied with either one.

He tried to escape in silence after class but unfortunately for him Kuramoch caught up with him in no time.

“So? Is she in our year?”

“Nope.” He didn’t even bother to correct the pronoun but he quickened his steps to reach the gym as quickly as possible.

“How do you even have time for a relationship?”

Honestly, he really didn’t, not when he was spending quite a lot of time bearing Kuramochi’s teasings, but of course he couldn’t just say that to him; not when he had a perfect weapon in standby. When he spotted Sawamura’s figure in front of the bullpen he winked at Kuramochi.

“It’s easier than you would think.”

“But that’s great! I’ll have more girls to cheer on me on our next game then.” Kuramochi said and Kazuya rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, right. My partner wouldn’t make it that easy for you.”

“Your… what? What does that mean?”

Kazuya began grinning and turned his attention back at the first-year pitcher who almost stumbled on his way when Kazuya called out to him.

“Hey, Sawamura! Would you be so kind to come here a bit?”

If possible Kuramochi’s puzzled expression only deepened at that. Even Sawamura seemed a bit confused by Kazuya’s unusually kind behavior but it was all part of his plan. When the younger boy reached them he quickly stepped closer to him and put his arm over his shoulder in a half-hug just like he used to do; only this time he didn’t stop there, and he raised a bit Sawamura’s hand to interlink their fingers.

Kuramochi’s perplexed and then disbelieving expression was already worth it all.

“Let me introduce you to my significant other.”

--

He must be joking. Eijun tried to shake his arm off but Miyuki’s grip was just too strong. It was an absolutely bad idea to agree to this, and now he was regretting it more than anything. It was great though that Kuramochi was as speechless as never before, but having to tolerate Miyuki’s intentions for that seemed to be quite a big price.

But if he would chicken out now then he would have two irritating person to mock him for that, so the only thing that he could do was to cooperate with one of them; and really, Miyuki’s grip was just extremely strong.

“Hahaa, umm, I thought that we would keep it a secret?” He glanced nervously at Miyuki, whose eyes were glaring daggers at him.

“Well, I don’t wanna.”

“That’s umm, great, umm…”

Eijun turned back at Kuramochi who was now observing them with a frown.

“What are you two doing?” He asked quietly. Eijun had absolutely no idea what to say; because really, what even were they doing?! However, it seemed that Miyuki had no problem with that.

“We’re going out.” He pulled Eijun closer and lightly brushed his leg with his shoe once again.

“Yeah, right.” Kuramochi shrugged and turned around. He waved a little as he began walking towards the gym. “Nice try, but I’m not gonna fall for that.”

Eijun’s jaw dropped and when Miyuki’s grip loosened a little he quickly jumped away from him.

“How was that not convincing enough…” Miyuki murmured before he glanced at Eijun again. “Hey, we need to do something.”

“Do what?!” The only thing Eijun wanted to do was to go back in time and run away when Miyuki called out for him the day before. That mischievous glance in Miyuki’s eyes was way too scary for him, especially when he leaned even closer to him.

“How reluctant are you about the kissing part?” He asked as casually as if he were asking about what would be for lunch. Eijun felt that he was blushing now and no matter how hard he tried to think about what to say nothing came to his mind. After a few seconds he turned his back to Miyuki and hid his face behind his hands, too, just in case.

“I’m not gonna kiss you just for that…” He blurted out weakly. This whole plan of Miyuki was going in a dangerous direction and Eijun couldn’t see a way back now. He knew that he should’ve said something else instead when he heard Miyuki snickering behind him.

“Aww, come on, it’s just a kiss! It’s not like it would be your first one, right?”

Damn it.

“Right?” Miyuki’s tone was much quieter now. Oh god, how could Eijun survive this… He turned back to face him and glared up at him as angrily as he could despite the fact that he wanted nothing else but to run away.

“The deal is over if you tell it to anyone!” He hissed and pouted when Miyuki’s lips quirked up.

“Wait, is it true? But you had a girlfriend back at home, didn’t you?”

“SHE’S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND! How many times do I have to tell this… We’ve been only friends!”

Miyuki raised his eyebrows and tilted his head a bit as he kept his eyes on the younger boy.

“Are you telling me… that this is the first relationship you’ve ever had?”

Damn iiiit. Eijun turned around once again and began tearing his hair out. He tried so hard not to think about it, because the reality was plainly just too cruel; it’s not that bad that he didn’t have the chance to go out with anyone, but the fact that his first time is only a fake relationship for a revenge is almost heartbreaking. And it didn’t make it less painful that Miyuki was the other part of it.

“Can we just… forget that this conversation ever happened? I would greatly appreciate it.”

Suddenly Miyuki grabbed his hand and turned him around. Eijun kept his gaze focused on his shoes and he only looked up when Miyuki lifted his chin up with his hand that wasn’t holding Eijun’s.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know. We can call this over if you want to.”

Just the fact that Miyuki Kazuya, The Miyuki Kazuya apologized to him, which has never happened before, made it impossible for Eijun to back out of this pretend relationship. Because even though they had been battery partners for quite a while now he still hadn’t felt to be as close to him as in that moment.

He shoved Miyuki’s hand off from his chin and smiled up at him.

“No need to worry, I can pretend for two weeks that you’re not as unbearable as you actually are.”

His smile only widened when Miyuki’s eyes lit up with something like excitement behind his glasses.

“Cheeky brat…”

Chapter Text

In the evening Kazuya began to wonder whether this was a fun idea or the worst one that he had ever come up with. Sure, it was easier to keep Kuramochi at bay with a weapon like this, but he couldn’t decide whether it was worth it at all. And now that they were all gathered in his room – again – he thought that maybe it was time to figure it out.

“Hey, honey, come here a bit!”

He bit his lip as he watched Sawamura completely ignoring him, even though almost everyone else snapped his head up. Okay, that wasn’t embarrassing at all.

“Sawamura~! For a second please!”

Finally that idiot looked up, too, but he seemed to be almost as confused as the rest of everyone else. It really wasn’t supposed to be that hard for Kazuya… They didn’t even have a chance to use this relationship-card and yet he was already thinking about breaking up with him.

Especially when that annoying boyfriend of his dared to roll his eyes at him and returned his attention back at the first-years gathered around him.

“Hyahahaa, look at that, Miyuki getting played!”

Now that was just simply too much for Kazuya. He sat up on his bed and put on his best menacing expression, and watching Kuramochi’s head turning back to the screen he knew that he succeeded with that. There was just one person that he had to convince.

“Sawamura, if you don’t come here I won’t catch for you for a long time.”

The said boy grunted loudly as he got up and dragged himself to Kazuya’s bed. Kazuya signed him to sit down in front of him but he just raised his eyebrows at that. How the hell did he even gathered the courage to disobey Kazuya like that?!

“Sit down, honey.” He emphasized the last word so slowly that even a moron like Sawamura would understand what he meant by that – and judging by the way his lips parted it seemed that he finally did.

“Entertain me.” Kazuya said and he almost laughed aloud at the younger boy’s confused expression.

“What?!”

“I’m bored. Be a good boyfriend and entertain me.”

“That was definitely not part of the deal.”

It wasn’t? Kazuya couldn’t care less. He was getting fed up with everyone constantly spending the evenings in his room and ignoring his need to sleep. He wasn’t just bored, but so tired and sore that he wasn’t sure whether he could get up from his bed at all. He wanted everyone to get out but for that he had to use the relationship-card.

“Well, it is now.”

“You can’t just… do that!” Eijun protested quite loudly, and Kazuya noticed that even Kuramochi looked up for a second. Nothing was going the way Kazuya wanted but he seriously wanted everyone to get out. What he needed was quiet and his room being empty.

“I don’t care.” He wrapped his arms around Sawamura and pushed his head into his chest, ignoring the younger boy’s complaints and protests.

“Goodnight everyone! I need some time with my boyfriend~!” He winked at Kuramochi’s direction who seriously looked like as if he was about to puke. Worth it.

“Right. No one would believe that.” He snorted and turned his attention back at the game he was playing. Kazuya looked around his room and when he noticed that basically only the first-years looked a bit surprised he lowered his head.

“Cooperate, Sawamura. I need my room.” He whispered right into his ear and was relieved when the younger boy finally stopped fighting against his hold.

“What am I supposed to do?!” He hissed a bit irritatedly. Kazuya considered what he should do; something that would be a clear message to everyone, something that would convince Kuramochi, too. Something that they clearly wouldn’t want to see up that close.

He began grinning evilly when he finally realized what his next move would be.

“Don’t scream.” He whispered to Sawamura and pushed him back on his bed. The poor boy looked so lost like he just got abducted by aliens and his eyes widened a little when Kazuya crawled up above him, his smirk never fading. He reached out for his hands and lazily interlinked their fingers while he leaned his head closer and closer to his. Sawamura’s lips fell open and the way he kept staring up at Kazuya caused a funny feeling somewhere in his stomach but he decided to ignore it.

Only a few inches separated them when someone finally cried out.

“Oh god, get a room you two!”

“It is my room.” Kazuya said back without looking away from Sawamura who was as motionless as a statue, and only his heaving chest proved that he hadn’t frozen yet.

He faintly heard as the others were rumbling and muttering about something but he only looked away from Sawamura when he heard the door getting shut. So it really worked, huh, even though he practically didn’t even have to do anything. He sat back with a content smile on Sawamura’s thighs and flicked his forehead.

“This is for refusing to entertain me. And I won’t catch for you tomorrow either.”

--

Eijun couldn’t even bring his muscles to move, not to mention looking away from Miyuki, who had finally leaned back and was now stretching his arms above his head. He tried to recall what the hell just happened but the last few minutes felt like they happened to someone else. His heart was still beating so fast as if it was about to break out from his chest, which, of course didn’t help his recalling at all.

Miyuki looked back at him again and punched his leg lightly.

“Hey, get up. I want to sleep.”

He blinked a couple times and finally propped himself up on his elbows. No matter what happened he couldn’t just let Miyuki do whatever he wanted.

“Miyuki Kazuya! You ca—wait, did you seriously just say that you won’t catch for me?”

“Yup.” Miyuki yawned again and pushed Eijun off the bed to the floor. “Goodnight.”

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN, ‘GOODNIGHT’?!” Eijun jumped up. The way Miyuki was acting was seriously pissing him off, especially when he even threw a pillow right into his face.

“I’m tired, that’s what I meant. See you tomorrow~.”

“NO WAY! I’m not your dog that you can just kick out!”

Miyuki lied down turned to show his back at Eijun while he raised his blanket above him.

“What, you want to stay?”

Eijun froze for a moment. He looked around but of course, they were alone. Why did everyone left so early though? He remembered someone shouting about a room… While he was lying on Miyuki’s bed and Miyuki was above him, leaning closer…

He was glad that his head didn’t blow up at that memory even though he was sure he must’ve been as red now as a bright tomato. He reached the door in no time and pushed down the handle.

“G-g-goodnight then!” He shut the door behind him with maybe a bit too much force and began running at a random direction. He didn’t sign up for this. He was sure that these two weeks would be fun and it would only have advantages, but why was he feeling so dizzy and confused then?! Maybe there was something wrong with his food at lunch…

He came to a halt when he reached his own dorm room and slapped his face a couple times before entering. This was not the time to act like a coward.

Still, no matter how determined he was with that he couldn’t help but scream a little when he saw the monstrous figure standing behind the door.

“Saawaaamuuuraaaa.” Kuramochi growled and reached out for him before he could’ve escaped. “You owe me an explanation.”

Eijun tried to free himself from his roommate’s choke but he completely failed with that. But now at least he could blame him for his red cheeks, he thought while trying desperately to breathe again.

“I know that you’re not going out with him, so what kind of game are you two playing?!” Kuramochi asked and eased his grip a bit to let Eijun catch his breath. Eijun knew that if he messed up his answer then Miyuki would most likely not catch for him for quite a while, and he couldn’t afford that.

“I-I do! We’re going out!”

Finally Kuramochi released him completely and Eijun leaned his back against the door. He had to convince him that it was the truth, even though the only thing he wanted was to run away right now. Kuramochi stepped closer to him and squinted as he glared down at Eijun.

“You two are planning something, aren’t you?”

“But we’re- but why can’t you believe it!?” He asked instead because he couldn’t even imagine why Kuramochi would have troubles with that, even after what happened in Miyuki’s room just a few minutes ago… Eijun felt his cheeks getting warmer again and hoped that his roommate wouldn’t notice it.

“Because neither of you would dare to confess to each other.”

“But… we did?”

“Oh yeah? Are you telling me that Miyuki, that Miyuki talked about his feelings?! Do you seriously think that anyone would believe that?!”

Eijun’s jaw dropped a little. Now that he thought about it Kuramochi was kind of right; it was almost impossibly to imagine that someone as distant as Miyuki would open up to someone like him, especially that they only met not so long ago. It really did sound suspicious and fake that way, which was the truth though. But if Eijun wanted to keep their relationship’s façade up then he would have to commit himself for this all; and for that he had to be ready to sacrifice his remained dignity.

He looked right into Kuramochi’s eyes and lowered his voice a bit.

“I did. I was the one who confessed.”

Chapter Text

The way everyone kept giving Kazuya suspicious looks in the morning was almost too amusing for him, and when Kuramochi didn’t stop to point out that he was late again made him sure that this all was a good idea after all. He sat down on his usual spot in the cafeteria and only looked up when someone plopped down in front of him.

“You owe me, Miyuki Kazuya.” Sawamura greeted him. If possible, Kazuya’s mood only became lighter at that.

“Hmm~? I don’t think so.”

That little brat tried to kick his shin under the table but Kazuya was sort of expecting that, and he easily caught his leg between his ankles.

“Like hell you don’t! Kuramochi interrogated me when I got back yesterday!” Sawamura looked around to check whether they were out of earshot and continued in a low voice. “And I had to tell him that I was the one who confessed to make him believe it!”

Kazuya genuinely was surprised. After everyone got out of his room last night and he was left alone with his thoughts he came to the conclusion that he might’ve taken this whole act a bit too far when he teased the younger boy like that. He wouldn’t even begin protesting if Sawamura would’ve decided to ditch him, but apparently quite the opposite was going on.

“Okay, and what do you want?”

Sawamura began smiling and leaned back on his seat, even though his leg was still between Kazuya’s.

“Take it back that you won’t catch for me today.”

Kazuya only realized that he was undoubtedly smiling, too, when poor Nori passed by their table and he almost stumbled while he tried to quicken his pace. This all was just so much fun for Kazuya.

“Hahahaa, I need more for that, Sawamura.”

The younger boy’s smile quickly faded and a deep scowl took over its place. Kazuya leaned closer and put his hands under his own chin above the table. Now that he realized once again that he had underestimated Sawamura he was quite curious about how far he could go with his teasings. But only one step at a time…

“Tell me, how would you have confessed to me?”

The way the poor boy’s jaw dropped was so comical that Kazuya immediately burst out laughing, which caused a few more weird glances towards them. He noticed how red Sawamura’s cheeks got but he decided to be a bit considerate with not mentioning it, even though he had to admit that it didn’t look that bad on him.

“Your nasty personality is just the absolute worst, Miyuki Kazuya!”

“Hmm, it’s probably not how I would start a confession…”

“THIS IS NOT A CONFESSION!” He shouted so loudly as if he were in practice and not in the peaceful and quiet cafeteria at 6AM. Kazuya began to enjoy this silly conversation way too much. He let Eijun’s leg go but only to start brushing his own leg against his. “STOP THAT!!”

“Why? Is it bothering you?” He asked in his most seductive tone that he was capable of in that early hour and grinned when Sawamura’s blush took a darker color. “Confess to me and I will stop.”

They silently glared at each other for a few seconds, and just when Sawamura was about to open his mouth suddenly Kanemaru showed up next to him.

“Umm, sorry to interrupt but the coach wants to speak with you, Miyuki-senpai.”

Aaah, why did he even accept to become the captain…

“I didn’t lie when I said I wouldn’t catch for you until I hear it.” He winked as he got up and turned around to leave the cafeteria, giving no chance for Sawamura to protest. Despite the fact that it was a completely fake relationship he was actually kind of curious how the younger boy would confess to him, because he couldn’t even imagine how he himself would react. Probably with a lot of laughing, he thought on his way to the coach. It would most likely be the funniest confession he would ever receive.

Still, somehow he couldn’t bring himself to laugh.

--

Eijun couldn’t finish eating his breakfast, which has almost never happened to him before. He knew that it must be impossible but the memory of last night’s events somehow became more and more detailed and vivid, and for a moment he was worried that he would never be able to forget it. Being that close to Miyuki, where he was even able to see the way his own face got reflected in his eyes was so weird that he had no idea what to do with that thought.

It was Kanemaru of all people who saved him from his misery.

“Time to go, Sawamura, if you don’t want to be late from practice.”

Eijun slapped himself and jumped up so suddenly that Kanemaru almost fell back.

“I WILL NOT LET THIS IMAGE BOTHER ME!” Eijun shouted and hoped that his statement will turn out to be right, because right now it was more than just bothering him. He couldn’t get it out of his head, and the way Miyuki was acting a few minutes ago only worsened his situation. Oh god, what if it would continue to be like this?! He would have to break up with him even though they were only ‘dating’ for merely one day…

And what was that ruckus about the confession?!

“Sawamuraa!” Kanemaru slapped the back of his head to get him out of his daydream. “I will seriously leave you here!”

“Alright, I’m coming…” They left the cafeteria in silence and it was only then that Eijun realized that they were the last ones there, and everyone else were most likely out on the field already. Eijun roared as he began racing, leaving an annoyed Kanemaru behind.

Still, when he entered the bullpen and saw Miyuki already crouching down in his catching gear, suddenly all his worries came back to him with a fatal blow. Even though Furuya was the one paired up with him Eijun kept struggling with his concentration, up until the point where even Ono got tired of it and ordered for Eijun to run for a couple minutes.

He decided to use this time to figure out what the hell he should do to get Miyuki’s attention back but at the same time don’t give in to him. A confession. He could do that, right? It’s just a joke, they both knew it. He had already read countless ones from random shoujo mangas, and even though he had never been confessed to before he felt like he could do it. It was like a practice for the time when he finds ‘The One’. Maybe this whole fake relationship would turn out to be helpful in that way, huh.

By the time he got back to the bullpen Miyuki was already taking a break, lazily sitting on the bench and drinking something. Eijun stepped up to him and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Miyuki Kazuya, go out with me.”

Miyuki looked up and raised his eyebrows a bit.

“We’re already going out, remember?”

“Of course I do! This is me confessing to you!” Eijun smiled and was a bit proud of himself. Well, this confession was just way too easy, even for someone who had never done it before. “And now you will have to catch for me.”

He was ready to turn around but then Miyuki flashed a clearly amused look at him.

“Oh yeah? And why did you decide to confess to me?”

“Umm…”

Miyuki tilted his head to the other side and he was so obviously trying to restrain his smile that Eijun would’ve loved to go away and leave him right there.

“What do you like about me, Sawamura?”

For Eijun, this was the moment he suddenly realized that he had underestimated Miyuki somehow. Of course. Of course he wouldn’t make it easy for him. He should’ve known. Hell, maybe he knew it all along but had decided to ignore it.

“I… umm…” He stuttered weakly and tried to come up with something that wouldn’t embarrass him so much. “You’re an amazing catcher.” Well, that was an undeniable fact, after all. “And…”

“And?”

He frowned as he struggled with a right answer, but unfortunately he didn’t have enough time to come up with something. Aaah, but he had so plenty of it… why didn’t he think about something while he was running…

“And, umm, you’re not a terrible captain? Sometimes, at least…”

“I won’t accept it until you say something nice, too.”

“You just said that we were already going out, you jerk!” Eijun shouted. He quickly looked around and sighed in relief when he noticed that no one was near them to hear him. After all the trouble he went through already he didn’t want to prove this relationship to be fake, which, in fact, was.

“Come on, you really can’t say anything nice about me?”

Honestly, Eijun couldn’t. He already said that he was a great baseball player, which was basically the reason why Eijun chose to attend this school. He left everything and everyone behind just for him, which was so ridiculous that he would never mention it, ever.

It was especially hard to praise Miyuki, who had the most smug expression on that Eijun had probably ever seen. But still, he had to try if he wanted him to catch his pitches.

“You’re reliable. Confident. A bit too much, but yeah. You’re always there to help anyone, even though you’re really persistent about telling them what they should do. You’re smart, reckless, and there are times when it’s pretty fun to be around you. But you would definitely deserve the award for the worst personality.”

“Wow.” Miyuki seemed a bit surprised but he was still smiling. “That wasn’t so bad. Anything else?”

“I wouldn’t mind that much if you would be a bit less irritating, but you’re probably the only person that I would dare to have a fake relationship with.” He shrugged and bit his lip a bit. “Was that good enough?”

Miyuki’s expression was somehow softer than before while he kept staring up at Eijun. Then he stood up and bumped their shoulders on his way out.

“Come on, I’ll catch for you.”

Chapter Text

„Hey, Kuramochi. Do you think I’m fun to be around with?”

“Uuh, no? What kind of question is that?!”

Kazuya rested his head on his arms and somehow he couldn’t brush his smile off, not when Kuramochi was looking at him like he had just begun stripping in the middle of their classroom. His smile widened and closed his eyes for a moment.

“Would you say that I’m a great captain?” He continued and heard Kuramochi snorting in disapproval.

“You’re the worst captain this team ever had, to be honest.”

“Yeah, I thought so…” Still, he couldn’t bring himself to care about that. Yesterday might’ve been the first time when that little brat had ever praised him, even if it was only thanks to his teasing.

He snapped his eyes open when Kuramochi dropped a book right on his desk, barely a few inches away from Kazuya’s sleepy face.

“I don’t know what’s going on with you but it makes me kinda sick, so I’m off to go.” Kuramochi grumbled and Kazuya didn’t even think about stopping him. He leaned back on his chair and stretched his arms above his head. It was already the third day of their relationship, which meant that eleven more days like this one were about to come. They had only one practice match coming up, so Kazuya had plenty of chances to enjoy this little ‘vacation’ to the fullest.

Unfortunately, Kuramochi found him when he was just on his way to practice.

“Tonight’s video game tournament will be held in your room, by the way.”

Kazuya rolled his eyes.

“Why? Why not in yours?” He got quite fed up with having to clean up after their mess whenever they gathered in his room, and he absolutely saw no point in why do they have to bother him with that all the time. Just because he didn’t have a roommate it didn’t mean that his room was free to use.

“A ‘great team captain’ shouldn’t be that reluctant about a team meeting.”

“That is not a team meeting.”

“It is. We’ll play a baseball game.”

“You will seriously regret this one day, Kuramochi.” Kazuya said as threateningly as he could, and squinted when Kuramochi flashed a know-it-all smile at him.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about… Oh hey, isn’t that your boyfriend there?”

The quick change of topic would’ve bothered Kazuya to no end, but watching as Sawamura rushed to the bullpen’s direction he came up with another idea. If Kuramochi was playing like that then he would just have to repay it somehow.

“If Sawamura will be there then it’s okay. You can have your tournament or whatever it is.” He shrugged like the fact that he can’t fall asleep in a decent hour once again didn’t bother him at all.

Kuramochi’s smile quickly faded at that.

“What kind of game are you playing with him?”

It took a great effort for Kazuya not to laugh aloud at Kuramochi’ sudden big brother attitude.

“It’s called love, my dear Kuramochi. But I’m sure you’ve never experienced it before.”

“It’s called bullshit, that’s what it is. You having a decent relationship with someone?! Not in my lifetime.”

“Say what you want, he confessed his feelings to me with so much passion that I just simply couldn’t refuse it.” Kazuya felt a strange feeling that he basically didn’t even told a lie with that. Sawamura actually confessed to him – even if it was a joke, but still, a confession nevertheless –, and despite the fact that Kazuya was sure it would be hilarious it really wasn’t. It seemed way too honest for a joke.

Kuramochi snorted and gave him a disgusted look.

“I hope I don’t have to deal with this for much longer. It’s physically making me sick.”

Just eleven more days, Kuramochi – Kazuya wanted to say but instead he only smirked. Kuramochi visibly shivered and quickly turned to leave him without a word. Kazuya stepped into the bullpen and when he noticed Sawamura stretching in the corner he lazily walked up to him.

“Hi darling.”

The younger boy looked up and rolled his eyes before he leaned back again and his forehead almost touched the ground between his legs. His flexibility was a tiny bit ridiculous, but Kazuya decided to use this perfect opportunity to its fullest.

“Here, I’ll help you.” He said as he crouched down behind him and put his hands on Sawamura’s shoulders to push him forward a little more all the while paying attention not to hurt him the slightest.

“This is what you meant when you said that I’m helpful, isn’t it?” He asked teasingly and was rewarded with a grunt.

“You’ll never let me live it down, won’t you…”

“Hahaa, of course not. It was such a lovely confession, after all.”

“I hate you, Miyuki Kazuya.”

“Nah, you love me, remember? We’re still going out.”

Sawamura leaned back and turned to look at Kazuya with a deep frown. He was so close to him that if someone would push Kazuya a bit forward then his lips would quickly land on his. Kazuya immediately discarded the thought.

“Then you should be kinder to your boyfriend.” Sawamura said in a whining tone. “I thought we would be in this together.”

Kazuya raised his eyebrows in surprise. He somehow still thought that Sawamura would be the fragile one in this relationship and he would always have to watch out not to cross a line with him, but in that moment, when he was that close to him he actually seemed like he would cooperate with him. Kazuya was quite amazed at that and decided to stretch this shared moment a little more.

“But we are.” He said and leaned closer to plant a kiss on Sawamura’s forehead before he had any chance to escape. When he leaned back and saw the ridiculous blush that quickly spread up to his ears he instantly burst out laughing and fell back to sit on the ground.

The younger boy jumped up and glared so menacingly down at him that it only fueled his good mood and his laughter, too, that was most likely heard out on the field, too.

Aaah, what a day already.

--

Eijun had enough. It clearly seemed like that jerk Miyuki was having fun these days, and judging by the way Kuramochi always gave him weird looks he had quite succeeded with his original plan, too. He seemed to be ridiculously happy and everyone thought that it was all thanks to Eijun, which, in fact, was true, but not in the way they expected it to be. Miyuki Kazuya had all the fun and Eijun couldn’t take it anymore.

He somehow managed to convince Kuramochi that he had caught a cold and said that he wouldn’t be able to attend that stupid tournament, but the moment Kuramochi stepped out of the room Eijun sat up on his bed and leaned his back against the wall. What the hell should he do now… Was he strong enough to endure this for eleven more days? Probably not. He decided to try to make a list in his head about this weird relationship with Miyuki.

He started with the downsides, which would probably be the easiest to count. 1) Miyuki’s personality. That was enough reason for this all though. 2) Kuramochi’s suspicious glances. It was true that he had decreased the hours that he had spent torturing Eijun but still, he was a way too great observant to know that something was up. 3) Miyuki’s taunts. Like okay, he kind of understood why he acted like he was about to kiss him the other day in his room, but that actual kiss he gave on his forehead that afternoon was just a huge question mark for him.

All in all, it was too much trouble for him.

He sighed a little and glanced down at the floor. Yeah, it was too much trouble, but it was kind of fun, actually. Miyuki was almost always insufferable but now that Eijun was spending more time with him, he had seen the good sides in him, too. Eijun was sure that he would do something irreversible when he told him that he had never been in a relationship before, but… it didn’t happen. Eijun almost felt like Miyuki was waiting for something, even though he couldn’t even imagine what for.

He bumped his head against the wall and looked up at the bottom of the bunk bed. How the hell was he supposed to find out what he should do, when everything that he did in this fake relationship was his ‘first time’?! And all those shoujo mangas weren’t helping either… Miyuki was everything but a guy that a shoujo heroine would fall in love with.

“Arrgh why is this so difficult…” He grumbled and lied down on his bed again with his legs brought up to his chest. Maybe… maybe he should end it. That seemed like the most mature decision to make in that situation. Go back to the way it was before and try to figure out something else about what to do with Kuramochi. It was all a stupid idea.

After all, three days had already went by, so it wouldn’t be that much humiliating if he would break up with him, right? If he would just explain why he doesn’t want to continue this then Miyuki would surely understand it. He even offered to call this over when he told him that he had never dated anyone before…

Yeah, that’s what he should do. It was more suffering than fun, after all. He closed his eyes and brought his legs even closer. He would tell him first thing in the morning…

He snapped his head when he heard someone knocking on his door, and he immediately sat up when he saw Miyuki peeking inside.

“What the hell are you doing here?!”

Miyuki only chuckled as he closed the door behind him and lazily sat down on the bed on the other side of the room.

“I got tired of listening to Kuramochi’s constant shouts… That game isn’t even that exciting.”

Eijun stayed quiet and tried his best to avoid any eye contact with him. It wasn’t funny at all that Miyuki decided to visit him of all people. Eijun needed more time to figure out his feelings and what he should exactly tell him.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Miyuki threw a can of green tea and Eijun easily caught it. It was still warm, like the older boy had just bought it. “I heard you caught a cold.”

“Yeah…”

“You should take a day off. No one would like to see a pitcher who keeps sneezing between pitches.”

Eijun chuckled a little as he opened the can and took a sip. He was so confused that he already felt the beginning of a headache. He kept his gaze focused on the can as he took in a deep breath.

“I think… I think we should stop.” He said quietly, still a bit unsure whether it was the right thing to do or not. Miyuki stayed quiet so he continued in an even lower tone. “This relationship. Call it over.”

“Are you sure it’s not the fever talking instead of you?”

“I’m not sick! Just needed a little time, I think.”

He only looked up when he heard Miyuki sighing. The older boy had an unreadable expression on but he didn’t seem surprised at all.

“I actually had fun with this, so if there’s something that I should do to make you change your mind, I might do it, you know.” Miyuki said just as quietly. Eijun felt that despite his miserable state he was still smiling, even if only a little.

“Then… can you give me more time?” He asked after a few seconds. “I’ll try to figure this out.”

“Don’t overthink; you might cause some damage in your poor brain.”

“Miyuki Kazuya, you’re absolutely not in a position to speak like this with me!” Eijun shouted but Miyuki only laughed at that.

“Hahahaa, okay then. But can I stay for a bit? My room is quite crowded now.”

Of course he wouldn’t make it easier for Eijun… He sighed and got up, slightly smirking. He would have to deal with this decision sooner or later, but right now he really didn’t want to.

“Only if you catch for me a little.”

“It’s 10PM, you idiot.”

“Is that a no?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be sick?”

“It’s a sickness that can only be cured with pitching.”

“Idiocy isn’t something that can be cured, Sawamura…”

Chapter Text

Even Kazuya knew that he was acting strangely quiet in the following day, but he couldn’t figure out why. Even though it was a beautiful sunny day he felt like a personal cloud was following him everywhere he went. And when he just saw the chance at the door for that cloud to disappear, Sawamura quickly averted his gaze and sat down in the far end of the cafeteria. Suddenly the food somehow lost its taste and Kazuya simply just gave up.

By the time he reached their classroom things had only gotten worse. The morning practice was a disaster, considering how the younger boy was so obviously trying to avoid him that even Kuramochi noticed it, too, who wasn’t even in the nearby of the bullpen.

And of course, he wouldn’t let this go by…

“Kyahahaa, who would’ve thought that the day would come when Miyuki Kazuya would have to deal with relationship troubles…”

“It’s really not-“

“…and failing them so miserably!”

Kazuya sighed and turned his head to face the window instead. Just the thought of what Kuramochi said to him gave him goosebumps. But… but he was kind of right, which was even scarier.

“I’m thinking about asking him out for a date, what would you suggest?” He asked just to finally make Kuramochi shut up. He couldn’t resist smiling a little when he heard him grunting and leaving to go back to his own desk.

By the time their first class had gone by and he couldn’t pay attention at all, not even for a single minute, he realized that he was in a big trouble. He didn’t sign up for this. Sawamura shouldn’t have that much power over him, and yet he still did.

Maybe they should really end this relationship before it would get any worse than that.

He couldn’t even imagine what Sawamura was thinking, not to mention how he would decide in the end. During afternoon practice, when Kazuya was fortunately paired up with Furuya, he seemed to be a bit twitchy, which was pretty amusing to watch but at the same time somehow nerve-wracking, too. There was even a moment when Kazuya got so distracted that he almost failed to catch Furuya’s fastball.

But finally, when he was just about to leave and go back sulking to his room, Sawamura walked up to him, even though he did everything not to look directly up in his eyes.

“Umm, Miyuki-senpai…” Kazuya waited patiently for him to continue even though he had quite a lot to say. Then Sawamura looked up and raised his voice a little. “I tried to think about this but… but I still don’t know.”

Kazuya sat back down on the bench with a tired sigh. Really, like really, he had been waiting so patiently for this moment, and then it’s this?! He signed for the younger boy to sit down next to him.

“This is a joke that was supposed to benefit the both of us; you know that, right?” Kazuya asked. When he saw out of the corner of his eye that Sawamura nodded he took in a deep breath. “I had fun because we reached our main goal; Kuramochi was acting as distant lately as we wanted to, sometimes even more so. And it didn’t reduce the time that we could play baseball, like a normal relationship would, right?”

“Right.”

Kazuya leaned his back against the wall and looked up.

“I can’t see any downside with this.”

“But there is!” Sawamura shouted. “I just… I couldn’t find a name to it!”

“Then how am I supposed to help fixing it?”

Of course, Sawamura stayed quiet at that, but it wasn’t like Kazuya was expecting a decent answer. He was completely honest before; he had fun with this fake relationship, but only until last night, when the younger boy began acting so weird that Kazuya didn’t understand him at all. Fortunately it hadn’t affected the way they played on the field, at least not yet, but what would happen once it does? Would it be wise to keep going on with this or should they just prevent the inevitable disaster?

He opened his mouth to offer him to break up right now, but it was Sawamura who spoke first.

“I want to continue this, too!” He said maybe a bit unnecessarily loudly but fortunately they were completely alone. “It’s just… you keep confusing me!”

“What?!”

“It’s embarrassing, really!”

Kazuya finally turned to look at him and he was a bit surprised to see how red the younger boy’s cheeks had gotten. He looked like he was in actual trouble and not in one that they created only in their heads. Then he snapped up his head and if Kazuya wouldn’t have been sitting then he most likely would’ve taken a step back upon seeing his teary eyes.

“Hey hey, it’s okay-“

“IT’S NOT!” Sawamura glared up at him so fiercely as if he were standing on the mound and not sitting in the far end of the bullpen. “It’s you! It’s been you, I get it now!”

“What the hell are you talking ab-“

“The way you tried to kiss me, and then when you actually did it! You didn’t even give me a choice!”

Kazuya’s eyes widened both in surprise and in apprehension. Is this really what this whole fuss was about? It was incredible… No, Sawamura was incredible. And this whole situation was just plainly ridiculous.

He was already chuckling before he even realized it, and in the next moment he was laughing freely. Aah, this was just too much, even for him. He should’ve known… He should’ve expected that Sawamura would have the absolute silliest reason for this all, but Kazuya was messed up enough to think that it would be actually serious. When he next looked up Sawamura was already on his way to leave, but Kazuya quickly grabbed his wrist and hold him back.

“Is this really what you wanted? Me, to ask for your permission?”

“You said that we were in this together…” Sawamura mumbled without turning around. Kazuya sighed again and softened his grip on his wrist, but Sawamura didn’t try to break free.

“Alright. You’re right. I won’t do anything relationship-like without your permission. Are we okay now?”

The younger boy finally looked back and Kazuya was so relieved to see him smiling that it even surprised himself, too.

“Well, there’s only one way to find out.”

--

Eijun felt like he was on the top of the world. All those troubling thoughts that had kept bothering him suddenly lost their edge, and he just couldn’t stop smiling. When he felt Miyuki’s hand squeezing his a little he tried to throw him an irritated look, but it might’ve not been so successful with his wide smile under it.

Now that they have practically renewed their fake relationship he thought that he could handle it easily. Miyuki’s taunts were almost funnier than embarrassing, which he considered to be an impossibly huge step, and the way he stayed close to Eijun but at the same time gave him some distance had made the younger boy feel at ease.

All in all, Eijun felt like he could get used to this, but he tried desperately not to think about it.

They were all gathered in Miyuki’s room once again, but this time Miyuki didn’t act like a jerk. Eijun was sitting on his bed with Kanemaru and Haruichi, who tried their best to tutor him for the next day’s English test – with very little success but much more determination –, while Miyuki was observing a scorebook next to Eijun, their hands occasionally – and not so accidentally – touching. Kuramochi was playing a fighting video game with Maezono and the both of them were shouting so loudly that Eijun kept mishearing the English words that Kanemaru tried to pronounce him.

However, despite the deafening noise he felt Miyuki’s head resting on his shoulder, and when he glanced at him he noticed that he had unmistakably fallen asleep. Eijun lowered his tone and tried to focus on his study, but the words somehow kept intermingling in his mind. It was all kind of… nice. He had never felt that happy during any study session before.

Barely an hour later Miyuki began nuzzling Eijun’s neck, who almost jumped up and he got only lucky that he didn’t bump his head against the wall.

“How long will this go on?” Miyuki mumbled quietly. Eijun took a look back at his notebook and sighed a little.

“For a while… Kuramochi seems to be in top form. And there’s no practice tomorrow morning, so…”

“Yeah, I figured.” Miyuki yawned and turned a little to lean his back against Eijun’s left side. “You’re more uncomfortable than I thought you would be.”

“I’m not your pillow, Miyuki Kazuya!”

“Aggh, not… not so loud.”

Eijun rolled his eyes but he couldn’t brush his smile off. He thought that Miyuki would stay quiet after that but, of course, he didn’t.

“Hey.”

“Hm?”

“Wanna go outside?”

“Why?”

“It’s so noisy here.”

“Well, you shouldn’t be sleeping then.”

“Come on, Sawamura. It’s my room, my rules.”

Eijun’s jaw dropped and turned his head a little to face him. Miyuki might’ve been sleepy but his shit-eating grin told another story.

“But I have to study!”

At that both Miyuki and Kanemaru began snickering. Eijun shut his book close and jumped off the bed to glare at them from a threatening distance.

“This is not funny!!”

“Can I borrow him for a second?” Miyuki glanced at Kanemaru, who quickly nodded a couple times. Eijun felt absolutely furious as Miyuki got up too, and he began dragging him out by gripping his wrist. There it was again. When they finally were outside, Eijun freed himself and took a step back.

“Was that really necessary?! I didn’t want to deal with this subject all weekend but now I will obviously have to…”

Miyuki put his hands in his pockets and began walking down the stairs.

“Just ten minutes. Then you can go back, okay?” He said without turning around. Eijun huffed but after a few seconds he decided to follow him, even though he had no idea where Miyuki was leading him. There was absolutely no one in the nearby, so there was no need to act like a couple, which calmed Eijun down a little. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about whether Miyuki would cross a line or not.

They walked in silence until they reached the next stairs, but this time Miyuki stepped next to it and rested his arms above the railing while he lifted his head to watch the night sky. Eijun hesitated a little but in the end he joined him and followed his gaze.

“So? Do you still want to break up with me?”

Eijun snapped his head back. Miyuki was successfully averting his gaze, and no matter how hard Eijun tried to read his expression, he had no idea what was going on in Miyuki’s mind. Not like he ever did, though.

He turned to look back at the sky instead and hoped that the stars would be in his favor at least once.

“Well, not right now…”

He began smiling when he felt Miyuki poking his ribs with his elbow.

“You know, there are probably tons of people out there who would consider dating me as a blessing.”

“Yeah, right…”

“And here I am, with the most ungrateful brat instead.”

Eijun’s shoulders were now shaking while he tried not to burst out laughing. Somehow the stars above them seemed brighter than usual.

“Say what you want, you were the one who wanted to go out with me.” Even if it was only for a fake relationship, he added silently in his head. He wanted to check again Miyuki’s expression, but when he turned his head he had to realize that Miyuki was standing much closer than before, and he was already looking right into his eyes. The cold night air must’ve sent a shiver down Eijun’s spine whose heart was just about to jump out of his chest. This feeling again… Just like the day before in Miyuki’s room… When Miyuki suddenly looked down at his lips Eijun almost instinctively bit the inside of it.

He had no idea what he was supposed to do; should he wait until Miyuki turns his head back, or he should be the first one to do that?

Miyuki leaned a bit closer to him, and when Eijun didn’t back away he whispered one simple question that Eijun never expected to hear from him.

“Can I kiss you?”

Really, there was just no point in that. They were completely alone, with no one to prove that they were going out. It was only them and the countless stars above their heads. It would be rational to act like Miyuki was joking and go back to his room and to their teammates. Eijun knew that this would be the most rational decision, and yet he found himself nodding a little. It seemed that that was all the permission Miyuki needed. He turned a little and put his palm on Eijun’s cheek and he even brushed his skin with his thumb a little, as if he wanted to calm him down. As if anything would be able to calm him down in that situation…

In the back of his mind Eijun thought that this might’ve been the most awkward thing he had ever done, because without any experience he just stood on his spot, with his hands still on the cold railing, as Miyuki closed the distance between them and touched his most likely chapped lips with his own. Eijun even held his breath and he only dared to breathe again when Miyuki finally leaned back. He was smiling in such an intimate and somehow honest way like Eijun had never seen him before.

“Wow. You really suck at this.” He said cheerfully and he even began laughing when Eijun punched his side.

“That’s it! I’m going back.” Eijun growled but he wasn’t even able to take a step, because Miyuki grabbed his wrist again, with his right hand still on his cheek.

“I was just about to offer a little practice.”

“Oh god, you really are the worst, Miyuki Kazuya…”

“Is that a yes?”

Eijun scowled and considered to refuse his ‘offer’ or whatever it was, but he decided to show his brave and spirited side instead; and he nodded once again.

Chapter Text

Kazuya had never made a mistake in his whole life that he eventually would’ve come to regret. Not even once. Even if he knew that his action wasn’t exactly right he still stood up for it whenever he had to. It was simple motto for him; whatever you do, you have to be ready to take responsibility for it.

But this, this was a whole new level for him.

“So, I’m guessing that now we will kiss, too… I-I mean, until the deadline, right?” Sawamura asked quietly without looking up at him. Kazuya still would’ve needed more time to process the fact that he just stole the younger boy’s first kiss even though there was no one else around, which made this fake relationship somehow… a bit real. Oh no.

“Sure.” He shrugged and he was so relieved that his voice sounded just as smooth as ever. “It might be our best weapon so far.”

Sawamura turned around to leave the top of the stairs, and this time Kazuya didn’t stop him.

“Are you not coming?” Sawamura asked but Kazuya decided not to turn around either, instead watching the starry sky above him.

“Go ahead. You wanted so desperately to study, after all.”

When he heard the younger boy grunting he smiled a little.

“You’ll catch a cold if you stay out here for too long, Miyuki-senpai!”

“Yeah, yeah.” Kazuya sighed and closed his eyes when finally Sawamura’s footsteps faded away in the distance. He had absolutely no idea what had gotten to him when he asked the younger boy whether he could kiss him. And what the hell had gotten to him for granting permission for that…

Aah, this was such a mess. It’s not like it was Kazuya’s first kiss, hell, it wasn’t even in the top5. It was almost like kissing a statue… a warm statue with pretty and soft lips and eyes so shining that Kazuya could swear he saw the whole starry night in them. At first he really tried to be as gentle as possible since it was Sawamura’s actual first kiss – fake or not, it didn’t matter – but because it was Sawamura of all people he couldn’t resist challenging him a bit. So when he leaned in the second time – and Sawamura finally closed his eyes this time – he tried to use his tongue, too, but it shocked the younger boy so much that he immediately backed away.

“What an idiot.” He muttered to no one in particular. He knew that he should’ve felt at least a bit guilty for playing such a cruel game with Sawamura, making his first relationship fake and stealing his first kiss, but… but he didn’t feel guilty at all. He began smiling when he realized that his choice this time wasn’t wrong either, and he was ready for any consequences to take the responsibility for them.

In the next day he decided to be a bit considerate and instead of sitting down somewhere near Sawamura he plopped down on his usual spot, on the far end of the cafeteria. He thought that he might actually be able to spend a quiet breakfast, but, of course, someone had to ruin it.

“You seem tired.” Kuramochi greeted him while he sat down right in front of him.

“Well, someone decided to occupy my room for the whole night.”

“Hah, only because you weren’t even there!”

Kazuya’s thoughts returned to that place on the top of the stairs, with the countless stars above him, and to the boy who – no matter how he looked at it – gave him his first kiss.

“At least I would have my room for myself tonight.” He glared almost threateningly at Kuramochi, but it didn’t seem to have any effect on him, because he simply shrugged at that.

“I was planning on practicing anyway. But hey, maybe you should too, seeing how you failed to hit any pitches in our last game.”

Of course, of course he would bring that up... And it’s not like Kazuya wasn’t practicing even more than usual since then, which shortened quite radically his already short sleeping schedule, no… He was so damn tired every day since that match that maybe it was actually the reason why he got suddenly so fed up with Kuramochi’s taunts that he decided to talk to Sawamura in the first place…

And there was absolutely nothing that he could’ve done to fix it.

“You only got a big mouth because you were lucky enough to hit that last pitch, Kuramochi.”

The said boy smirked and leaned back on his seat, watching Kazuya like he just won something.

“It was skill, Miyuki. And come on, just admit it; I was better than you.”

If patience was a thread then in Kazuya’s case it just got torn apart. He was ready to get up and throw something at the other boy’s smug face – which probably wouldn’t even crossed his mind if he wouldn’t have been suffering from lack of sleep for quite a while now –, but suddenly he felt two hands on his shoulders, and his irritation quickly changed to surprise when he found Sawamura standing behind him.

“Morning, Miyuki-senpai, Kuramochi-senpai.” He greeted them with such a ridiculously huge grin that Kazuya couldn’t resist smiling either, especially not when Kuramochi obviously forgot what they were talking about.

“Hey, Sawamoron, I still haven’t forgiven you for waking me up in the morning.”

The grip on Kazuya’s shoulders stiffened for a second, but only until Sawamura snapped right back at him.

“I already said that I was sorry!”

“Well, you still haven’t gotten your penalty for that!”

“You almost killed me with your new brutal wrestling technique!!!”

“Clearly you haven’t learned anything from that, you idiot!”

Kazuya was quite amused at their pointless and rather loud bickering, and he would’ve loved to leave them to be, but Sawamura’s hands were still holding him down. Wait a minute… It was the perfect occasion to test their new ‘weapon’… Kuramochi was giving the both of them a hard time, and with that little effort they might be able to–

His thoughts got suddenly interrupted when Sawamura placed his hand from Kazuya’s shoulder to his chin and he leaned down to put his lips on his in a very simple and innocent kiss, that wasn’t what Kazuya wanted at all. He shifted his body a little to be able to deepen the kiss and upon hearing Kuramochi’s clearly disgusted shouts he almost ruined it by laughing aloud; instead he tried to focus on Sawamura’s still gentle and a bit reluctant way of kissing that somehow didn’t feel bat at all.

He only leaned back when he was sure that Kuramochi had already left their table. The younger boy’s lips were so red and shiny that Kazuya couldn’t resist giving one more peck on them.

“Well, this seems to be quite effective.” He said with an evil grin.

--

All those shoujo mangas couldn’t fully prepare Eijun for the feeling of kissing someone, even though in their case it wasn’t a love story in the slightest. Miyuki was right; with a little practice he actually became better and in that morning he even went as far as to initiate the kiss, and the way Miyuki kissed him back made him sure that he didn’t mind it that much either.

Eijun’s favorite part was the short moment before they closed their eyes; watching the somehow mischievous glimpse in Miyuki’s glance, the way he tilted his head a little and his lips quirked up before he opened them… It sent shivers down his spine every time, and he wondered how it would feel like to kiss someone who he actually had a relationship with, not just a fake one.

During the afternoon practice he finally got paired up with him, but neither of them tried to act like a couple; instead they both focused on pitching and catching; Miyuki calling whatever pitch came to his mind and putting his mitt in the most difficult spots, and Eijun shouting either in victory or in defeat after every single one of his pitches. Halfway through practice Miyuki called for a quick brake and soon Eijun found himself sitting next to him again on the bench.

“I feel like I’m in my top form today!” Eijun said excitedly. “I could totally pitch for a whole game now.”

“That last cutter would’ve most likely hit the batter though.”

“What?! It was a perfect pitch!”

Miyuki snickered and shook his head.

“It really wasn’t.”

“Come on, you can’t be that heartless, Miyuki-senpai! Wait, actually you are… Never mind, you don’t deserve a star pitcher like me at all.”

“Show me where that ‘star pitcher’ is and I would gladly catch for him instead.”

Eijun scowled and turned his back to Miyuki. All he wanted was a single compliment, and yet…

“Alright!” He shouted and stood up. “Time to go back to prove that my cutter is something to be feared!!”

“Just a minute, Sawamura.”

Eijun turned back to look at him and he was a bit surprised to see that Miyuki had his head leaning against the wall, and it was obvious that he was ridiculously close to fall asleep. But… but they were in the middle of practice…

“Umm, Miyuki-senpai, you’re not sick, right?” Oh god, what if he was?! Wouldn’t kissing him mean that he might get sick, too?!

“Just tired.” Miyuki murmured and slightly opened his eyes.

Eijun stepped a bit closer to him but he still kept a safe distance between them. Even a tired Miyuki could be dangerous…

“You should sleep more then.”

“Wow. Thanks. I never would’ve thought about that.”

“FINE, I just wanted to help…” Eijun turned around but instead of walking away he decided to stay on his spot and turn back to Miyuki once again. He finally got the chance to pitch to him during the whole practice, so he couldn’t just run away now. He had to convince him somehow to go back practicing…

“So… Did you have a nightmare?” He asked a bit hesitantly because he was absolutely sure that Miyuki would make fun of him once again. But still, maybe there was a tiny little chance somewhere that he might be able to help him.

Miyuki was watching him with such a smug expression that Eijun already regretted asking that question.

“What is it? Are you worried about me?”

It took a lot of effort for Eijun not to turn around again and instead he kept glaring down at him without blinking.

“I can’t pitch without a catcher.”

“There are other catchers in the team.”

“You know what I mean.” Eijun hoped that their conversation would finally come to an end with that because even he had to admit that it was beginning to turn in an awkward direction. Yeah, it was true that he almost spent most of his time pitching to Ono, but forming a battery with Miyuki was on a completely different level, and there was no way that Miyuki wasn’t aware of that.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Miyuki stood up and folded his arms over his chest.

“I forgot to tell you but you were quite brave in the morning.”

Oh no. This wasn’t an awkward direction; it was a dangerous one. Eijun didn’t want to be reminded of that when he was standing that close to Miyuki. He felt that he was undoubtedly blushing, so he quickly turned around and began walking back to practice.

“Come on, Sawamura.” Miyuki snickered behind him. “I was giving you a compliment here.”

“Keep it to yourself and your nasty personality!”

“Hahahaa, and I thought that you liked our practice last night so much that you wanted some more~.”

Eijun quickened his steps but even so he had nowhere to run away.

“I will never ki-kiss you again!”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

Eijun snapped his head and he jumped a little when he saw Kuramochi standing at the entrance of the bullpen while holding a metal bat lazily over his shoulder.

“Coach wanted me to check what the hell you two were doing.” He continued in quite an irritated tone.

Before Eijun could’ve snapped back something he felt Miyuki’s arm around his shoulders.

“We were just talking about how we could improve our, khm, battery, dear Kuramochi.” Miyuki said with a ridiculously smug expression. Kuramochi apparently didn’t need any more proof of that because he snorted and quickly turned to leave.

Miyuki let go of Eijun and began walking towards where he left his catcher gear.

“Show me your cutter, Sawamura.” He shouted cheerfully without turning around. Eijun had to slap himself to get out of his sudden haziness. “But this time try not to kill the batter with it.”

Chapter Text

On a sunny Friday morning, when Kazuya had almost fallen asleep in every class of his, fate decided to play another cruel game with him. He had no idea what he had done to deserve this; maybe he was repenting his sins from his past life? If so, then he really would’ve liked to smash his past self’s pretty face.

“I don’t think that’s ever gonna work.”

Of course Kuramochi wouldn’t make it any easier. Kazuya was so happy that finally that agonizing week was about to end that he accidentally let his guard down, and when the teacher was about to appoint the people who would have to help organizing the class’s next trip he just happened to make eye contact with him.

And the worst part of it was the fact that the other half of this quickly made up team just had to be Kuramochi of all people.

“Look, I don’t really care about this so do what you want.” He leaned back on his seat and rubbed his eyes behind his glasses. He felt like he could fall asleep any minute, no matter how uncomfortable position he would be in. He needed a distraction, like right now…

Oh.

“You won’t run away from this, Miyuki.” Kuramochi growled. But he could. And oh, he will.

“It’s already lunch break and I promised your roommate to meet up with him.” He got up and smiled a little. This whole relationship of theirs always turned out to be quite useful in such tiring situations. “I’ll help after it.”

He didn’t get any answer or annoying comment from Kuramochi, so he simply shrugged and turned to leave their classroom. However, when he reached the door Kuramochi finally spoke up.

“You’re not just playing with him, are you?”

Kazuya was so surprised that he almost stumbled on his way out. The other boy sounded so serious that there was no way he could’ve silently escaped now. And once again, he had to lie to the most observant person he had the misfortune to know.

“Of course not. He wanted this, and I didn’t want to break his fragile heart.”

“But if you will and I’ll have to be the one dealing with a crybaby day and night… You’re dead, Miyuki.”

Kazuya gulped and decided to leave before he would have to deal with Kuramochi’s threats any longer. This sudden dangerous direction had to be changed immediately…

He didn’t have to walk for too long until he heard Sawamura’s shouts. That guy was always painfully loud during practice, but Kazuya wouldn’t have thought that he would be the same in the school, too. He easily spotted him standing in front of his classroom, arguing with two random guys. His voice was way too annoying for Kazuya’s tired nerves, so instead of walking up to him he leaned his back against the wall and acted like he was waiting for someone. Fortunately none of the students seem to mind him, only until a short girl with two ponytails walked up to him.

“Umm, you’re Miyuki Kazuya, right?” She asked in a clearly nervous tone and Kazuya quickly folded his arms over his chest to be able to pitch his arm occasionally. It wouldn’t be polite to fall asleep while someone was talking to him, after all.

The girl glanced at Sawamura’s direction before she cleared her throat.

“I’ve heard a rumor that… that you and Sawamura Eijun are… together.”

Oh no. It wasn’t a surprise to Kazuya that even strangers from school found out their relationship, but it was a bit nerve-wrecking to talk about it, especially that the mentioned boy was standing only a few feet away from them. Kazuya pinched his arm maybe a bit too painfully to become wide awake.

“And?”

“And, umm, well, a friend of mine wanted to know whether it’s true, but she’s too shy to ask it herself.”

Another fan of Kazuya, huh. Now that he thought about he hadn’t received any confession since almost two weeks now. He didn’t like those awkward moments every time they confessed their feelings to him, asking him to go out with them only because he was popular, and then immediately shaking his head and telling them how baseball is his first priority and so on…
But this time he had a perfect excuse to reject that friend of hers, even if it was in quite an indirect way.

“Yeah, we’re going out for… for a while now.” Six days to be precise. “So, I’m sorry.” He put on a sad expression and was incredibly relieved when she only smiled and began turning away.

“It’s okay. He would’ve probably been a bit too noisy for her. But thanks!” She waved and before Kazuya could’ve said anything she was already out of sight.

As for Kazuya, he basically froze on his spot as realization hit him like a brick thrown right into his face. All his previous tiredness and sleepiness vanished as the girl’s words kept washing over his mind. Did he just… destroyed Sawamura’s chance with a girl? A chance for him to have a real relationship with someone who he could love and who could love him back?!

That thought wasn’t something that Kazuya could bury somewhere deep where it would never come back haunting him. He had to fix this. Somehow. Sawamura was unbelievably annoying, but he was just an idiot, an honest and bold boy who didn’t deserve to be stuck in that fake relationship when he could have a real one instead.

There was still some time left from the lunch break, so Kazuya made a decision and walked up to where Sawamura was still shouting with his classmates. He only looked up when Kazuya had practically joined their circle and upon noticing him he took a step back.

“Miyuki Kazuya!” He shouted just as loudly as before. “What-“

“We need to talk, Sawamura.” He said and reached out for his hand before he continued his way down the corridor, but this time dragging Sawamura with him. He quickly had to find a way to fix this messy situation before it could get any worse than this.

--

Eijun had no idea what was going on. Miyuki had never once visited him in school, not even when they weren’t playing this relationship-thingy. Something must have happened, and it freaked him out so much that he didn’t object at all when Miyuki didn’t let go of his hand. They were getting quite a few curious glances but it seemed that Miyuki didn’t notice them.

He only came to a halt when they were already outside, right behind a building with no one in eyesight. Miyuki finally eased his grip and instead folded his arms over his chest. He looked like he was trying to solve an equation which didn’t help Eijun to calm down at all.

“I have to tell you something, but you have to promise me to hear me out properly, okay?” Miyuki said a bit gravely. Eijun glanced around to find where he could escape but upon seeing Miyuki’s serious expression he decided to stay and nodded a little.

“There was… Well, to simply put, I screwed up.” Miyuki laughed dryly. “You have to break up with me.”

Eijun’s eyes widened. Okay, he wasn’t expecting this at all… He was about to ask him why when Miyuki continued.

“I happened to misunderstand a conversation and… And I basically rejected a girl who wanted to go out with you. But if we end this now, then you would surely have a chance with her.”

A few students passed by them, and Eijun was incredibly grateful for granting him a few more seconds to think this through. Miyuki was watching him as attentively as if he was observing him, but Eijun had no idea what kind of expression he himself was wearing. He knew that he should be a bit upset at least, but… but he didn’t feel anything. He had never received a confession before, and the fact that Miyuki stole his chance with it should’ve made him angry, but it didn’t.

In fact, he felt a bit sad, but he still tried to put on a smile.

“What are you talking about?” He asked as cheerfully as he could. “We still have a week left!”

“It doesn’t matter if we put on end to it now or a week later, does it?”

“But…” Eijun was completely at a loss. What Miyuki suggested made sense, but… “But what about our, umm, main purpose?”

“We can find out something else. I never would’ve actually thought that you would agree to this, to be honest.”

Eijun glanced around once again, hoping to find something that could help him, but, of course, he had nothing to save him from this situation. And it was even worse that he had to make a decision right now.

“So what do you say?” Miyuki asked and Eijun noticed how he tensed his muscles in his arms. His mind said that it would be the most rational decision to end this relationship when that was what Miyuki wanted, or at least offered, but… but it was a bit sudden for him.

“What do you want?” He asked instead of answering. Miyuki blinked in surprise and shifted his weight from one leg to another.

“That’s… That’s not the point now. If you could have a proper relationship then you should go with that.”

The schoolbell warned them that they only had five minutes to go back to their classes, but Eijun couldn’t care less about that. He had to come up with something right now. But he didn’t understand why his feelings were so conflicting with his thoughts and it almost drove him crazy.

Miyuki didn’t tell him at all what he would’ve liked to hear from Eijun, but upon seeing the dark circles under his eyes Eijun decided to do him a favor instead of causing him more trouble. He was the team captain and the catcher that he liked pitching for the most, after all, and even an idiot like Eijun noticed how tired and worn out he was ever since that last match. Maybe he would appreciate it, Eijun thought and wondered whether he would offer to catch for him more after that…

He began smiling and even his conflicted feelings told him that he had made the right decision with this.

“Alright. If she really wanted to confess to me then she can do it after next week.”

Miyuki’s eyebrows shot up in surprise at that, but Eijun quickly put up his hand before he could’ve argued with him.

“But! With only one condition.” He grinned and was relieved when Miyuki’s grave expression softened a little.

“I was only offering to break up, you idiot. You can’t demand whatever you want only because you want to decline it.”

“FINE! Then I will be the one taking you out on a date!”

It was always funny to watch Miyuki’s surprised expressions, especially when Eijun was the main cause for them, he thought and began grinning widely.

“I wanted to ask you to take me out but you’re way too stubborn, Miyuki Kazuya.”

“Oh, really? A date?” He asked with a mischievous glimpse that Eijun returned immediately. “You’re truly an idiot, Sawamura.”

“That’s not the way you should address your boyfriend!!”

“Hahaa, and? What do you have in mind?”

To clear away those dark circles, Eijun thought as he turned around to go back to his classroom.

“You don’t deserve to know!”

Chapter Text

The afternoon practice went by as a blur for Kazuya. He couldn’t even remember what kind of pitches he had asked from Furuya, and he felt quite lucky for not letting those ridiculously fast balls close his head. He could recall Sawamura’s shouts from the other side of the bullpen, but he had no idea whom he was pitching for.

He was just about to go back to him room to earn some well-deserved sleep after a week of torture when Kuramochi walked up to him.

“Here.” He handed him three notebooks and Kazuya didn’t even need to open them to know that inside them were the statistics of their upcoming opponent’s previous matches. “The coach wanted you to check them out until Sunday morning.”

“And you won’t help with this, will you…”

“That’s what you get for making me do all the work for our class trip.” Kuramochi grunted and glanced at Sawamura’s direction. “Besides, I’m doing here a favor, you know.”

“Oh really…”

“If you do this tonight then it won’t intervene with your, umm, I still can’t believe I’m saying this, but with your date tomorrow.”

Kazuya smiled and his eyes found Sawamura easily on the far end of the bullpen, accompanied by Haruichi. He was still a bit surprised and amused how that last conversation of theirs ended, asking him out for a date instead of breaking up, but it was even more surprising that Sawamura had already mentioned it to Kuramochi.

“Aww, Kuramochi, when did you become such a considerate person?”

“Oh shut up, I’ll never ever be considerate with a shitty person like you.”

“Hahaa, then why do you act like one?”

Watching Kuramochi fuming almost made Kazuya forgot just how tired he was. Still, he couldn’t repress a yawn, and he quickly turned his head to hide it.

Kuramochi left him without any word and Kazuya decided to return to his room, too. Those notebooks seemed unnecessarily thick and he was already sure that he wouldn’t get any sleep at night if he wanted his next day to be free.

After managing not to fall asleep in the bath and drowning himself in a way that would’ve been rather funny then actually sad he sat down on the floor next to his bed and spread the notebooks around him. He tried to find the most uncomfortable position to prevent him from falling asleep but it wasn’t much help.

They still had quite some time before the match but upon seeing the batter lineup he immediately understood why coach Kataoka wanted him to check it that soon. The pitchers won’t have an easy job against them, and it was Kazuya’s task to find a way to fight against the batters and win. He didn’t know yet who would be the starter pitcher but if it was Furuya then he couldn’t let him slack off in the first inning as he usually did…

He got so immersed in thinking up a strategy that he didn’t hear the knocking on his door, and when he glanced up Sawamura was already standing in front of him.

“I brought coffee.” He sat down next to Kazuya and leaned his back against the bed. “Are those about our next opponent?”

Kazuya nodded between two sips. It was quite unusual for the younger boy to come and visit him when he was completely alone, and he had to remind himself that they were now in a relationship and that it shouldn’t be that surprising. He rubbed his eyes behind his glasses for a couple seconds.

“I don’t really understand this stuff but that cleanup has some nice numbers.” Sawamura said and Kazuya chuckled a bit.

“You only have to worry about to pitch the way I ask you to.”

“You say it like I don’t always do that…”

Kazuya rolled his eyes and picked up a notebook to be able to actually see what was in it. His already poor eyesight was suffering, too, from the lack of sleep, but he would never admit that.

“And? Why are you here?” He asked because even if it was nice to have someone to keep him company and to prevent him from falling asleep, he still had no idea why the younger boy decided to visit him from all people. It was better then letting him run outside in that late hour though, but still.

Sawamura picked up a notebook, too, and furrowed his eyebrows as he tried to make sense of the numbers on its pages.

“I came to help, or something like that,” he murmured so quietly that Kazuya almost didn’t hear it.

“You can help if you tell me what you have in mind for tomorrow.”

“Nice try, but no.”

“Not even a little hint?”

“Nope.”

“The tiniest one?”

“No.”

“Aww, come on, you’re a cruel boyfriend for playing like that.”

Sawamura turned to look at him with a scowl that Kazuya very much appreciated. He liked how easy it was to get a reaction out of him, even with only a little teasing. Unfortunately he was way too tired to continue it.

“I, umm…” Sawamura cleared his throat before he continued, “I actually came because I want to postpone our date… Or at least I wanted to, but our next day off would be when our fake relationship is already over, so…”

“Why do you want to postpone it?”

“Have you looked into a mirror?” Sawamura asked incredulously. “You look like a zombie.”

“But you were the one who asked me out.”

“Yeah, well…” He turned his head back to look at the notebook instead of Kazuya, who didn’t quite understand when that young boy had become that serious. “When I saw you almost failing to catch Furuya’s pitch I thought that maybe a day off is what you need, and not a date.”

Well, he couldn’t argue with him, and even if he wanted to he couldn’t even bring himself to start it.

“What about Kuramochi? You already told him.”

“I’ll tell him that I feel sick or something.”

Kazuya wanted nothing more than to have a whole day to recharge and don’t even get up from his bed, and he felt a strange feeling somewhere in his stomach that Sawamura knew that and he went as far to cancel their date, which would most likely bring more of Kuramochi’s taunts to his head…

And Kazuya wasn’t that cruel to let that happen.

He smiled at the ridiculous thought that he was just about to say out loud.

“Stay the night.”

--

Eijun had a couple ideas in mind as to how he would like to spend a whole day with such an unbearable person as Miyuki Kazuya. Of course, his main goal was to take him somewhere where he could forget all his worries and troubles, but upon seeing how it all was effecting the way he was playing he realized that even that would be too much for him now.

He bought a can of coffee with the lowest caffeine content that he could find and decided to tell him that personally, too, and let him have a proper day off without anyone bothering him.

Well, that was the plan.

“Wha-wha-what do you mean?!” Miyuki couldn’t be serious. He was definitely just joking around, like he usually did. But that tired glance of his seemed to be so sincere…

But… to stay the night?!

“What? You’ve never been to a sleepover before?”

“Th-that’s not…” How the hell should he phrase it… “They think that we’re actually going out.”

“Yeah, and?”

“And… umm…” Eijun quickly turned his head because he was very much aware that his cheeks were now as red as a bright tomato. Miyuki was definitely playing a game with him… “Ummmm…”

“I didn’t mean to sleep in one bed, you idiot.” Miyuki playfully bumped their shoulders and the notebook fell out from Eijun’s hands.

“But… they might think that…”

“And would it be that bad?”

Eijun slowly turned his head to look at him. Miyuki was dangerously close to him and the way he was actually smiling and not smirking was even worse. He had never felt as confused as in that moment.

He winced when Miyuki dropped his notebook, too, and leaned his head back on the bed behind him.

“I can’t even keep my eyes open for one more minute… If you let me sleep until noon then I would gladly go to that date.”

Eijun hid his flushed face behind his hands for a couple seconds. Time. He needed more time. He always needed more time… His feelings were fighting a vicious battle and he had no idea how to stop it.

“O-Okay.”

He still wasn’t quite sure what he had agreed to; to the date, or to stay the night. But he didn’t have to decide that, because Miyuki grunted and got up only to collapse on his bed in the next second.

“There’s a blanket somewhere in the bed storage. And here’s a pillow.” He grabbed his own pillow and threw it over. Eijun was still frozen on the floor, and he couldn’t quite think straight. Maybe he was just as tired as Miyuki, huh…

“Don’t you need one?”

“I’m so tired I could literally fall asleep anywhere…” He put down his glasses on the nightstand and folded his arms to rest his head on them. Eijun finally stood up and slowly pulled out the blanket that was right where Miyuki said.

“Is this really okay?”

He had no idea whether he actually said it out loud or not, but he didn’t get any answer. He lied down and turned to face the wall instead of Miyuki. The lamp on the nightstand was still on and he was afraid that Miyuki would point out the blush that had reached even his ears by now.

“And I won’t get a goodnight kiss?” Miyuki whispered. Eijun got even more flustered but he decided to turn around and glare as threateningly at the older boy as he could. Miyuki only laughed at that.

“Come on, Kuramochi might already think that we’re doing, hmm, something else.”

“You’re definitely the absolute worst, Miyuki Kazuya.”

“Hahaa, you’ve been dating me for a week now, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you.”

“Why do you always feel the urge to tease me?!”

“I don’t.”

“You do!!”

“Okay, I’m not this time.” Miyuki corrected himself with a smirk that Eijun could clearly see, even from that distance. “What? It’s just a kiss.”

“You don’t deserve it.”

“I gave you my pillow.”

Eijun immediately sat up and threw it back with a bit too much force. Miyuki chuckled and turned to lie on his back while he folded his arms over the pillow.

“I won’t give it back until I get my kiss.”

“You know, I can just go back to my room.” Eijun scowled.

“You’re probably locked out already.”

“I hate you so much.”

“Of course you don’t. Now get up and kiss me already.”

Eijun shook his head but he slowly got up and crossed the small distance between their beds. Miyuki was watching him with such a smug expression that Eijun almost backed away.

“Umm, would you sit up?”

“Nope.”

He really was the most insufferable person that Eijun had the misfortune to know. He crouched down next to his bed and it was obvious that Miyuki had noticed his blush, because his cruel smile only widened.

“Can you at least close your eyes?” Eijun whispered, hoping that he would somehow get his dignity back. Of course, life wasn’t that easy.

“Nope.”

He took in a deep breath, and just like as if he was diving in the sea, he leaned down and put his lips on Miyuki’s in a very uncomfortable kiss that managed to darken his blush.

Chapter Text

Kazuya woke up to something heavy hitting the floor with a loud thump. He sleepily opened his eyes but he could only barely see the outlines of the objects in his room, and besides, judging by the lack of sunlight it might’ve still been dawn. Fortunately he didn’t need to see what the hell happened because he got a quick explanation.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!! I didn’t want to wake you up!” Sawamura whispered as loudly as if he were actually speaking, which was quite a talent in itself. Kazuya was about to ask him what the hell was he doing in his room when suddenly he regained his memories about last night.

He rubbed his eyes a couple times but with no effect whatsoever.

“Why’re you ‘wake?” He asked in a hoarse voice. He heard Sawamura rearranging something around his desk, probably the thing that he managed to push down.

“I… umm… I wanted to go run a little…”

Is he serious…

“It’s a day off.”

“I know, I know!” At this point he wasn’t even whispering anymore, which didn’t come as a surprise to Kazuya, though. But he really wanted to go back to sleep soon. “I just couldn’t sleep… but I’ll be back at noon!”

“No.”

“What?”

“You won’t go anywhere.”

Sawamura stayed quiet for a couple seconds while Kazuya almost did manage to fall asleep, but then the younger boy began walking towards the door.

“You’re not my mother, Miyuki Kazuya.”

“I’m your captain, and if you go out that door you won’t come back here for a very long time.”

“I don’t care. The bed was uncomfortable anyway.”

And Kazuya even gave him his pillow… What an ungrateful brat.

“You already woke me up; do you really want to enrage me even more?”

“But what am I supposed to do?! I couldn’t sleep!”

He was so loud he would surely wake up everyone else in the nearby of his room… Aah, he was noisy, annoying, troublesome and he didn’t make Kazuya’s life any easier.

“Then sleep here, you idiot.”

“Where?!”

“Here.” Kazuya raised his blanket to make sure that even an idiot like Sawamura would understand it. “I know for a fact that this is a comfortable bed.” And he would very much like to enjoy it for a couple more hours, and if he would have to get up to drag Sawamura off the field he might actually murder someone on his way.

“B-b-b-but-“

“Just sleeping. Come on.” He wanted to give him a proper explanation but the words kept failing him as he drifted further away from reality and he knew that barely seconds separated him from falling asleep. Seconds in which Sawamura was still standing motionless in the doorway and Kazuya had no energy left to convince him to stay.

Fortunately Sawamura gave in sooner than that.

“O-okay.” He stammered and walked back to Kazuya’s bed. Kazuya shifted a little to push his back against the wall behind him, and when Sawamura finally laid down with his back to him he threw his arms around him without second thought. He felt him stiffening under his touch so he decided to bring himself even closer to him; not like he could think rationally in an ungodly hour like that.

“Night.” He mumbled and his last thought was that his bed was really, really comfy, before he finally fell back to sleep.

When he next opened his eyes he couldn’t see anything, but when he pushed his head back a little he immediately understood why. Sawamura’s hair always seemed to be soft to touch and Kazuya might’ve had the same thought even in his sleep. He had never felt as recharged as in that moment, and he didn’t need to glance at the clock to know that it was already past noon.

Sawamura mumbled something incoherent and Kazuya couldn’t suppress a smile. He was sure that the younger boy would be just as loud in his sleep as he was in his wake, but much to his surprise it didn’t seem to be the case. The small noises that left his lips might’ve gone unnoticed by him if they weren’t sleeping in the same bed. Which was a shame, because Kazuya really would’ve liked to make fun of him somehow.

He slowly and cautiously freed his hands from Sawamura’s sides and chest and managed to get up without waking him up. The younger boy made a whining noise and Kazuya had to press his palm on his mouth to forestall his snickering.

He changed his clothes silently and walked to the cafeteria with a devilish smile. He sat down with his lunch on his usual spot, his smile never fading. All that tiredness and wariness that he was struggling with those days didn’t bother him at all now, and he just couldn’t wait for a certain someone’s reaction…

“Hey, Miyuki.”

And his wish seemed to come true just like that.

“Yes, Kuramochi?”

“Where is he?”

“Asleep.” In my bed, he added silently. He didn’t want to play all his cards at the same time.

“But lunch is almost over.”

“Well,” Oh god, when did this whole fake relationship became that much entertaining? Kazuya felt like he could practically break into dance right there and then. “You know. He’s still a bit tired after, hmm, last night…”

“Oh no. Stop there.” Kuramochi put up both his hands and Kazuya smirked while he began massaging the back of his neck. He really shouldn’t have slept without his pillow… “I’ll kill him when I see him… No, actually, I’ll kill you too.”

“How overprotective, dear Kuramochi.”

“I’ll finish you first and then him…”

Kazuya didn’t get a chance to continue his teasing, because Haruichi walked up to them. He awkwardly ruffled his hair while he glanced from Kazuya to Kuramochi.

“Umm, do you know where Eijun-kun is? I couldn’t find him in his room, and he wasn’t on the field either.”

Kazuya watched as Kuramochi’s angry expression turned to shock and then to defeat. It was incredible, and Kazuya couldn’t wish for a better start for a day. Well, hopefully Sawamura wouldn’t mind that much if he spills some details…

“He’s still asleep, but you can find him in my room if you need him.”

“In your… oh.” Haruichi’s cheeks picked up a rosy shade in a blink of an eye. “Oh.”

“You’re dead, Miyuki.” Kuramochi growled but Kazuya pretended not to hear him as he continued his lunch. Unfortunately his game got interrupted, because a noisy and annoying someone with hilarious bedhair swung the cafeteria’s door open and glared threateningly at their direction before he opened his mouth.

“MIYUKI KAZUYA!”

--

Eijun crossed the distance between the door and their table with a few angry steps and it took him a lot of effort not to grab Miyuki by the collar of his shirt and drag him outside. He was absolutely furious, even though he couldn’t quite understand why.

“Oh, you finally woke up.” Miyuki chirped without even looking up at him. “It was about time.”

“I swear-“

He couldn’t finish his threat because suddenly he found himself in one of Kuramochi’s deadly wrestling holds where he could only barely breathe.

“Sawamura, spending the night elsewhere without telling it beforehand… If anything would’ve happened it would’ve been my responsibility, do you get it?!”

“But nothing happened, Kuramochi-senpai.” Eijun breathed out weakly. He hoped that the subject would be dropped immediately but of course, Miyuki didn’t let that happen.

“Oh? I remember it differently.”

Eijun somehow managed to free himself and pointed a finger accusingly at Miuyki’s chest, who didn’t seem to be fazed the slightest.

“You! Tell Kuramochi-senpai that nothing happened!”

Miyuki raised his eyebrows questioningly, and if possible, Eijun’s anger and frustration only increased at that.

“Why would I lie to my dear vice-captain~.”

“Okay, that’s it.” Kuramochi interrupted their silent glaring contest with pushing Eijun back. “You’re already causing more ruckus than necessary. Just don’t go wandering at night without telling anyone, understood?”

“But he was the one who didn’t let me go!” Eijun shouted in his defense, because he really did try to leave in the morning to go back to his room without Kuramochi noticing his absence, since his roommate was already asleep when Eijun decided to give Miyuki a visit.

Kuramochi turned from Eijun to Miyuki, who simply shrugged and averted his gaze. Playing the innocent, huh…

“It’s our day off and he wanted to run.”

“So what, you ordered him to stay with you?” Kuramochi asked.

“He’s my boyfriend, in case you forgot. I simply asked him.”

Eijun bit his lip not to shout at him right there. Asked him?! He basically threatened him…

But then he remembered what happened after that and he had to turn his head away.

“You two are ridiculous.” Kuramochi slapped the back of Eijun’s head. “And what the hell happened to your hair?!”

“I didn’t have a pillow…” Well, he couldn’t say that Miyuki’s arm messed it up, could he…

Kuramochi’s eyebrows shot up at that and he burst out laughing.

“Oh god, that’s… I knew that you… But Miyuki too… This is amazing…”

“Is everything okay, Kuramochi-senpai?” Eijun asked rather worriedly. What the hell was he even talking about? He glanced at Miyuki for help but he was eyeing Kuramochi just as suspiciously as Eijun did.

“Okay, I really need to go.” Kuramochi said once he finished with his maniac laughter. “Your idiocy will surely kill me someday.” And just like that he waved and turned to leave them. Eijun plopped down on the seat in front of Miyuki and leaned closer to him above the table.

“What just happened?!”

“Beats me.” Miyuki shrugged again and began massaging his neck.

“And why the hell didn’t you wake me up?!”

“Oh? You wanted to wake up next to me?” Miyuki asked with a devilish grin that Eijun would’ve loved to brush off with a punch.

“You know what? It’s your fault. Everything is your fault.” If Miyuki would’ve let him go in the morning then none of this would’ve had to happen… He would’ve spent a few hours on the uncomfortable bed in Miyuki’s room, and then a few more in his own… But no, he had to offer him to sleep in the same bed with him…

“So you forgot it.”

Eijun snapped his head in question.

“What now?!”

“We have a date today~.”

Oh no. Eijun felt like he was still stuck in his dream and he couldn’t quite believe that the last few hours had actually happened with him. He already felt like he had done more than enough for that whole fake relationship when he brought Miyuki a can of coffee, even though there was no one else around, but then… To stay the night there and sleep next to him?! And that kiss…

“I’m not going anywhere with you.” He scowled and turned his head to avert Miyuki’s curious gaze. “You don’t deserve it.”

“You promised it.”

“I DID NOT! And besides, I only asked you out because I wanted you to get some rest, but you already… umm, got it.” Eijun knew that he was now blushing but there was nothing that he could’ve done about that. Damn those lights above him…

Miyuki snickered in front of him and put down his chopsticks.

“But you already made some plans for today, didn’t you?”

“Maybe…”

“Then it would be a waste if we wouldn’t do anything, would it?”

Eijun turned his head back and furrowed his eyebrows upon seeing the familiar mischievous and somehow challenging glance in Miyuki’s eyes. Damn him. Why did he even agree to this whole fake relationship in the first place…

“Will you catch for me after that?”

“Hahahaa… No.”

Chapter Text

Kuramochi was having the time of his life. Somehow during the past few weeks everything was going in his favor; scoring that point in the latest match and thus saving the team, acing the English test which was never his strong point, and now he get to discover something that he could manipulate however he wanted to.

It was amazing to have that much power and luck by his side.

“Are you really going on a date with him, Sawamoron?”

Just looking at that little brat made him laugh. Sawamura was actually spending a remarkable time trying to find a shirt that didn’t belong to his school or baseball uniform, and when he actually began brushing his hair Kuramochi just couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“What’s the big deal anyway? I know you’re not really going out with him.”

“I AM, Kuramochi-senpai!” He shouted back with his brush still in his hand. Just a little more push to see whether he could make him blush…

“Really? You two would be the worst couple I’ve had the misfortune to see.”

Sawamura turned to glare at him with such intensity that Kuramochi had to press his palm on his mouth not to burst out laughing once again.

“You’re wrong, Kuramochi-senpai! We are both an amazing battery and an even more amazing couple!”

Oh, really now…

“That guy has absolutely no positive features, but, well, neither do you…”

“Miyuki-senpai has his many flaws but he’s a good person, somewhere, deep inside…”

Just a little more… Kuramochi couldn’t believe this was happening to him. If only Miyuki himself would be there to hear it…

“Like how?”

“Like, umm…” Sawamura put down his brush and began fidgeting with the edge of his shirt. He was so obvious about his feelings; Kuramochi just couldn’t believe that Miyuki hadn’t found out it yet. But, well, he hadn’t realized his own feelings for that moron yet, so it wasn’t that surprising.

Really, Miyuki? Sleeping together with him, which most likely ended up with you cuddling him and messing up his hair, and you’re still in denial?

Kuramochi shook his head a bit to get back to the present and to hear what Sawamura had to say about Miyuki’s ‘good features’, which were totally non-existent in Kuramochi’s eyes.

“He always puts the team’s needs first and… And he always finds time to catch for me, even though I have to ask him a million times beforehand…”

“That’s just baseball-related stuff, Sawamoron, you can’t convince anyone with that.” Come on, I know you’re deeper in this.

And there it was; the blush on Sawamura’s cheeks was now clearly visible under the light.

“Umm, he’s… He’s kind, sometimes, and… And he always looks out for me, and he can be funny when he wants to be…”

Aww, how naïve, how innocent… Kuramochi had no idea whether Sawamura really hadn’t realized that what he was feeling was actually love towards the most insufferable guy ever, or that he was just a plain idiot.

Probably the latter, though.

--

Spending time with Sawamura was always amusing for Kazuya; that guy was an idiot. Period.

“Ice creams? Really?”

“What? That’s what couples do…”

Probably they really do, if he meant all those shoujo manga couples by that… But still, it was fun, and who was Kazuya for ruining such a fun day. He raised his hand to ruffle Sawamura’s hair who immediately squeaked and shuffled away.

He thought that they would fell in silence as they walked around the park with their newly bought ice creams – which Sawamura insisted to pay for – but of course, it was impossible with that guy.

“Do you think I will get to pitch first in our next match?”

“What makes you think you would get to play at all?”

Sawamura turned to glare at him and Kazuya could actually see the rage in his eyes boiling up.

“Everyone says that they’ll be hard to beat, so of course I’ll be needed!”

“You’re talking like you’re the ace but you’re not.”

“BUT I WILL BE!”

“Shh, we’re gonna get kicked out of a park if you keep shouting like that…”

At that Sawamura only raised his voice.

“I DON’T CARE! YOU WILL ACKNOWLEDGE ME!”

Kazuya had to find out how to shut him up quickly because he was getting a bit too annoying… So he pushed his own ice cream to Sawamura’s mouth, who almost stumbled back.

“I will if you stop acting like a child.”

Finally he stayed quiet for a few seconds, but only until he cleared the remains of Kazuya’s ice cream from his face.

“Do you really think I won’t get to play?” He asked so quietly that Kazuya thought he must’ve been a completely different person than before. The pitchers are always the most troublesome… But it was Kazuya’s job to keep them balanced.

“It’s not my decision to make. But if it makes you feel any better, I’ve already planned how we would play against them.” Well, only because it would be either complete success or defeat with Sawamura; there was no in between with that guy.

“We?”

“Us, you idiot.”

Sawamura began smiling in such a ridiculously content way that Kazuya couldn’t resist rolling his eyes at that.

“I’ll run a hundred extra laps tomorrow to make sure I’ll get to play…”

“And I’ll get Kuramochi to drag you off the field if you do such idiotic thing.”

“Not fair, Miyuki-senpai.”

“Are we really gonna walk around the whole park?” Kazuya asked even though he didn’t really mind that. The idea itself seemed pretty un-Sawamura-like, but maybe he actually got it from a shoujo manga…

Sawamura grunted and licked his ice cream before he answered.

“No… We’re almost there.”

“Where exactly?”

“Patience, Miyuki-senpai.”

Miyuki almost doubled over at that. Sawamura talking about patience?! Was the world about to end and no one warned him?!

“You’re really something else…”

“What did you say?!”

“Nothing, nothing.” Kazuya snickered and shook his head. He felt so refreshed after sleeping for more than a half day that he was sure nothing could mess with his mood, not even Sawamura who was now whining because he already ate his ice cream. Kazuya began to think that this ‘date’ looked now rather like a babysitting…

“Here.” He tried to give him his own ice cream but Sawamura only squinted at him. “What?”

“That’s suspiciously generous of you, Miyuki-senpai.”

“Your loss.” He shrugged and turned his head away. After barely a few seconds Sawamura cried out, and since Kazuya was expecting exactly that kind of reaction he wasn’t surprised at all.

“FINE! I’ll humbly accept it.”

“There’s nothing humble about you.” Kazuya offered his ice cream once again and this time Sawamura finally snatched it. What an idiot…

“Uggh… Pistachio…”

“You can give it back if you don’t like it.”

“Hell no! It’s mine now!” Sawamura shouted and continued licking his ice cream in disgust. Kazuya couldn’t believe it… He had chosen the worst guy for this whole fake date…

Wait a second.

“An indirect kiss.” He mumbled to himself and fortunately Sawamura didn’t seem to hear him. But maybe he could get a funny reaction out of him if he would…

“You really don’t like pistachio?” He asked as innocently as he could and snickered a little when Sawamura grimaced.

“It’s the worst thing that could happen to any food! Like seriously-“

“Well,” Kazuya interrupted him and grabbed his hand to stop him, “that’s my favorite kind of ice cream.”

He watched as Sawamura’s expression changed from confused to shocked as Kazuya put his other hand on his cheek and kissed his lips to get a taste from his, hmm, ‘beloved ice cream’. He only chose that one because he liked its color though.

He leaned back after a few seconds and continued his way to whatever direction they were walking. He didn’t have to wait much longer for Sawamura to catch up with him, and only a side glance was enough to notice the rosy blush on his cheeks.

He had to admit that it kind of fitted him.

--

Eijun had no idea whether this whole ‘date’ was actually worth it or not. The only upside about it was that he didn’t have to be around Kuramochi for a whole afternoon and having to answer to his annoying questions… Like seriously, what the hell was up with him?! Asking how he feels about Miyuki…

He glanced at him out of the corner of his eyes and shook his head. The only thing he felt about him was annoyance, nothing more. Miyuki would probably mock him for his next idea for a whole week, but there was no going back now.

“Here we are.”

Miyuki looked around and cocked an eyebrow upon seeing the building on their right, with a few posters sticked to its windows.

“A cinema? Oho, that’s the most romantic thing that you could come up with?”

“IT IS NOT!” Eijun was so frustrated he really would’ve liked to go back to the dorms and just leave Miyuki behind. “I wanted you to have some rest, so I thought that maybe watching a boring film would be good enough.”

“A boring film?” Miyuki turned to look at him with a suspicious glance and Eijun scowled. Of course he wouldn’t let that go… He should’ve reconsidered this idea beforehand.

“Okay, a romantic one, which you would absolutely find dull, but I would get to enjoy it.” Simple as that. He had no one to watch that movie so being Miyuki’s fake boyfriend finally came in handy this time.

Of course, Miyuki found it funnier than it was supposed to be.

“That is so like you,” He said between two fits of laughter while Eijun just stood by his side, with his arms folded over his chest and trying his best not to begin shouting at him. It wasn’t an easy job in the slightest. “If I knew this then I would’ve brought my pillow with me.”

Hah.

“Worry not, Miyuki Kazuya. I came prepared.” He winked at him and crossed the street. Reaching the entrance of the cinema he had to turn around because Miyuki was still standing on his spot, glaring at Sawamura like he just grew another head. The younger boy waved at him which must’ve broken whatever spell he was in and they could’ve entered the cinema together.

Eijun had no idea when was the last time he had watched a movie in such a fancy place, and not in his dorm room where he had to deal with Kuramochi’s howls of laughter during every sad scene. Like really.

While Miyuki went to buy the popcorns – because he had lost the rock-paper-scissors battle much to Eijun’s amusement – Eijun decided to take a closer look to every poster that were hanging on the walls. If only he had more time to watch more quality movies, and not the ones that Kuramochi kept coming up with… He wondered what kind of taste Miyuki would have. Eijun always preferred the romantic ones, or the action movies with the epic battle scenes, but Miyuki…

“What’s your favorite movie?” He asked once he finished standing in the line. Miyuki shrugged and took a sip from his cola.

“I don’t have any.”

“Then what genre? Horror, fantasy, sci-fi,-“

“Hmm, I don’t really have any preference.”

“But you don’t seem to like the romantic ones…”

“Oh god, no. I hate them.”

Eijun grunted and turned to leave him behind, but he could still clearly hear him snickering.

Once they were inside the hall Eijun plopped down on his seat and fidgeted to find the most comfortable position. He wanted to enjoy the next 2 hours to its fullest. Miyuki took his time, too, and he leaned his head back with a tired sigh. Eijun suddenly realized what he had forgotten and he quickly picked up his bag.

“This is only because I don’t want to hear you whining during the movie… A pillow,” He wanted to give it to him but Miyuki wasn’t paying attention so he got slapped on his face with it, “A sleep mask that I might’ve borrowed from Kuramochi, which you’re forbidden to mention in front of him, and I’ve brought earplugs, too, but this is a quiet film… What?!”

Miyuki was watching him with so much curiosity that Eijun would’ve stumbled back if he wouldn’t have been sitting already. Then the older boy snickered and snatched the sleep mask from Eijun’s hold.

“I can’t believe it… Keep your earplugs.”

Eijun squinted at him as he watched Miyuki putting down his glasses so he could put on the sleep mask instead, and he leaned his head back again, but this time to Eijun’s pillow and not the uncomfortable top of the seat.

The lights went out and Eijun found himself still watching Miyuki, whose lips were still quirked up to form a smile. He had no idea why he suddenly remembered the conversation he had with Kuramochi that afternoon, and the answer that he gave to him, but he had to realize that he wasn’t entirely honest with him, and neither with himself.

Miyuki was the absolute most annoying person in his life; that was a fact, and there was no point in denying it. But he was also funny, and sometimes he even went as far as to be gentle. This whole date was completely pointless but Eijun had to admit that there was no minute of it that he hadn’t enjoyed. And when he actually kissed him in the park he just wished that it would’ve lasted longer…

Oh no.

No way.

He turned his head back to the movie that had already begun and Eijun had long lost what the plot even was. He glanced back at Miyuki and he felt his cheeks getting warmer at the sudden realization that he really would’ve liked to kiss Miyuki’s lips now.

No no no no no.

Chapter Text

The movie really was quiet. Kazuya was sure that after sleeping for more than 12 hours he wouldn’t be able to fall asleep, but almost the moment he put the sleep mask on and leaned his head back against that comfortable pillow that must’ve been Sawamura’s, his thoughts and worries began slowly drifting away.

He woke up to a gentle nudge on his arm.

“It’s already over?” He asked once he pushed that ridiculous sleep mask back and put on his glasses. The lights were already on and upon seeing the rosy blush on Sawamura’s cheeks he couldn’t resist grinning. “Oh? Were you crying, Sawamura?”

“I WAS NOT!” He shouted back and got up. “Let’s go, everyone left already…”

“All the more reason to stay a little more.”

Kazuya yawned and stretched his arms above him but after a few silent seconds he frowned. Sawamura was unusually quiet, and he wasn’t even arguing with him like Kazuya thought he would surely do. Weird.

Once they were outside and he noticed that Sawamura’s blush wasn’t fading at all he began to worry a bit. Did that movie have such an emotional damage that the younger boy wouldn’t be able to pitch like he used to? And if so, then it would’ve been Kazuya’s fault for letting him watch it?! Honestly, where was the line between dating him and babysitting him…

He decided to be kind to him and see how high that damage was.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

“Wh-what are you talking about…” Sawamura mumbled back without looking at Kazuya’s direction.

“Our date. It was fun.” He tried to observe the younger boy’s expression but unfortunately he was still averting his gaze. Next time Kazuya won’t let him near any romantic movies… “Sorry for sleeping through half of it though.”

“You don’t need to apologize.” Sawamura’s voice was now practically a whisper which Kazuya almost didn’t catch. He was acting so weird that Kazuya didn’t quite know what he should do; he was very well used to his annoying self and his constant shouting, but this quiet and almost awkward Sawamura reminded him of the time when he was dealing with his yips, and Kazuya didn’t like that change in the slightest.

He reached out for his hand and intertwined their fingers before Sawamura could’ve retreated.

“Do you still want me to catch for you once we get back?”

An easy question. Kazuya was one hundred percent sure about the answer, and even though he wouldn’t practice with him when it was their day off he still wanted to make sure that everything was alright with Sawamura. An easy question, with an answer that wasn’t quite needed. That was what Kazuya thought, and yet-

“I don’t feel like it.”

“Even in your day o- wait, what?”

Sawamura’s hand stiffened in Kazuya’s hold for a second.

“I’m just… tired.”

Tired?!

“Umm, okay.” It was really far from okay. “Let’s just go back to the dorms then. It’s already late.”

The younger boy nodded while Kazuya shook his head. Something was clearly wrong, but he wasn’t sure whether he could fix it at all. His job was only to make sure that he would bring out the best of every pitcher in their team, and it shouldn’t concern him that Sawamura didn’t want to pitch on a day off. That was only natural, right?

They walked in complete silence until they reached the gates, but Kazuya couldn’t take it any longer. At some point he even began drawing circles on Sawamura’s palm with his thumb but with no reaction whatsoever.

He couldn’t just leave him like that… Kuramochi wouldn’t let Kazuya live for another day.

“Are you really just tired?”

Sawamura nodded without turning his head at him. It was so upsetting, seeing him like that, that Kazuya really would’ve liked to punch something.

“Was the movie that upsetting?”

Still no answer.

“Are you mad because I fell asleep?”

“I’M NOT MAD!” He shouted as he freed his hand from Kazuya’s hold and stepped away from him. “Just… I want to go back.”

Kazuya watched in silence and in even more confusion as Sawamura began running towards his room, leaving Kazuya behind. What the hell… What did he do wrong? Did he really overstep a line in the cinema? But… he only did what the younger boy wanted him to do, nothing more. Nothing relationship-like, except for…

Oh. Was he upset about that kiss with the ice cream?

“What an idiot…”

He shook his head and headed towards his own room to change into his training clothes. Day off or not, he was frustrated enough not to care about that. Reaching the gym he picked up a metal bat and began his usual practice, this time putting even more strength into his movements.

Kazuya had been only to a few dates before, but this one caused him more trouble than the rest of them combined. Sawamura actually wanted to go back to his room? But that was the point of this whole date; to be far from Kuramochi, even Sawamura said it himself. One kiss shouldn’t upset someone that much, and besides, it was rather just a peck on his lips.

Barely an hour had passed when he heard footsteps behind him, but he refused to turn around.

“What did you do, Miyuki?”

Aah, why him of all people… Of course Kuramochi would know that something was off with Sawamura, even if he would’ve tried to cover it. That just wasn’t fair.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yeah, right.” Kuramochi snorted and stopped once he was in front of him. Kazuya was still focused on swinging his bat and he didn’t want to meet Kuramochi’s curious and annoying gaze. “I warned you, remember?”

How could he even forget that…

“No.”

“I couldn’t get a single word out of him so you better give me a proper explanation.”

How? Even he wasn’t sure what went wrong, if anything went wrong at all and it wasn’t just something completely unrelated to him, like Sawamura remembering that he would have a test on Monday that he didn’t study for… Who knew what was going on in his mind; Kazuya was sure he didn’t.

--

Eijun had come to the worst realization in his life; and on top of that he just had to happen to be in a fake relationship with him for another week… How was he supposed to survive that?! During the whole movie he felt like his heart was about to jump out of his chest, and there was even a moment when he almost stood up and left.

But then everything turned even more disastrous when Miyuki reached out for his hand. Like okay, that’s what couples do, even if they were only faking it… And sure, it was practical, because everyone knew they were going out so it would’ve been weird if anyone saw them and they would’ve been walking with a two feet distance between each other.

It was just like Eijun’s luck…

He pushed his face into his pillow and was so relieved that finally he was completely alone. Kuramochi asked him at least a thousand questions before he got fed up with Eijun’s persistent silence and left him. Eijun had to fix this new situation soon, or else his feelings would be inevitably found out.

His feelings… He just still couldn’t believe it. Why did it have to be him?! It was all supposed to be fake…

He snapped his head up when he heard someone knocking on his door and he cried out when he saw the pink color peeking inside.

“HARUCCHI!!! HELP ME!”

“I just came to ask what the Maths homework was…”

“This is more important!”

Haruichi sat down on the bed next to Eijun, who had his pillow pushed to his chest; the same pillow that he gave Miyuki in the cinema, but he quickly disregarded that memory.

“So… Umm, this had happened in a manga that I just read.” Eijun was never good at lying and now he felt a bit proud of himself. Haruichi would never find out what this really was about. “There was a, umm, a boy and a girl.” He would never find out. “And they were good friends and stuff, and everyone thought that they were already dating.” Never find out… “But then the girl suddenly realized that she was in love with him!”

Haruichi squinted at him quite suspiciously, but Eijun decided to continue, hoping that he could mislead him somehow but still get the wise advice from him that he very much needed now.

“And she had no idea how she should act around him after that realization…”

“This has nothing to do with you and Miyuki-senpai, right?”

Eijun’s jaw dropped and he needed a couple seconds to gather himself.

“WHAT?! OF COURSE NOT!”

“I was just asking!” Haruichi put up both his hands in defense when Eijun almost shouted his head off. “So, what’s the question?”

“What the hell is she supposed to do now?!”

Eijun had come up with many possibilities, but he couldn’t even decide whether he should continue this fake relationship for another week or just simply end it now, before things could get even more awkward than they already were. He desperately needed someone to tell him what he should do, and he eagerly waited for Haruichi’s answer, to which he didn’t have to wait for too long.

“I think you- I mean, she should confess to him.”

If possible, Eijun’s jaw dropped even lower than before.

“THAT IS ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE!”

“Just hear me out. She’s most likely afraid of rejection, right?”

“Oh yeah, definitely.”

“But she’s not afraid of him.”

“She is. She totally is.”

Haruichi sighed and turned his head to look at the door’s direction.

“She’s known him for a while, hasn’t she?”

Well, barely a year had passed since their oh-so-memorable first encounter, which Eijun was sure he would never be able to forget. He nodded and hugged his pillow a bit closer to his chest.

“If they were able to convince everyone that they were going out… I think a confession would be the wisest thing to do.”

“But… It’s so embarrassing…”

“Maybe.” Haruchi smiled brightly at him and Eijun felt so incredibly lucky that he had such a good friend as him. “But it’s still better than acting all awkward around him.”

But a confession… Sure, Eijun had already given him one before, but that was only a joke. Everything that they had done was a joke, every kiss they shared were fake, and even sleeping on the same bed meant nothing at all – at least that was how it was supposed to be.

Maybe… maybe Haruichi was right. What’s the worst thing that could happen? Miyuki would probably mock him forever for that, but Eijun didn’t think that it would have any effect on their battery. The only thing that he could lose with it was his dignity, which he didn’t have much to begin with.

“ALRIGHT!” He got up and slapped himself a couple times to gain some courage. “I’LL DO IT!”

“Umm, the Maths homework…”

“On my desk!”

He left the room without even saying goodbye to Haruichi and headed towards Miyuki’s room. He will confess to him. He will be honest and tell him everything that was on his mind; either this whole relationship of theirs will end or it will be completely renewed, and it all depended on Miyuki’s reaction. But… but if Miyuki would reject him, then there would be no more shared moments, no more sleepovers, no more kisses…

No-no-no-no. He couldn’t just give up now.

He just passed by the gym when he came to a halt because he heard Kuramochi’s familiar laughter coming from inside and another terribly familiar voice that tried to shut him up.

“Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”

Eijun sneaked closer to them to be able to hear their conversation. He had his back against the wall and he allowed himself one peek inside to that they were completely alone, except for the threatening metal bat in Miyuki’s hand. Eijun would’ve really liked to point out the fact that it was a day off, but he would’ve definitely ruined his spying mission with that.

“I know that you’re not going out with him.”

Eijun slapped his palm on his mouth at Kuramochi’s words. But… That was impossible. They did everything to make their relationship convincing enough…

“Well, if he breaks up with me then I clearly won’t, will I.”

Good. So Miyuki was still playing their game. Eijun nodded in approval a couple times, his palm still on his lips.

“Oh come on, Miyuki, I know that you’re always pretty fixated on the pitchers, but dating them? And Sawamura of all people?!”

Eijun scowled and he made a note to himself to be especially rude to Kuramochi later.

“Why is it so hard to believe?”

“You’re telling me that you’re in love with him?”

Oh no. Eijun’s heart was practically racing now, and he crouched down by the wall to make himself even smaller. He shouldn’t be hearing that conversation…

“Love?” Miyuki asked back and chuckled dryly a little. “What do you know about love?”

“Avoiding the question, huh.”

“I’m not. We’re already going out, so I don’t really understand why you’re asking that.”

“What happened on your date?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

“It is, when he’s glooming in my room.”

His room?! Since when?

“You don’t have to worry.” Miyuki said after a few seconds in an even lower tone than before. “I’m not sure whether this will work out any longer.”

Eijun would’ve really liked to allow himself another peek but he couldn’t even bring himself to move. What even was Miyuki talking about… He should’ve been doing his best to convince Kuramochi, just like Eijun did many times before.

“Have you even thought about how he could feel now?” Kuramochi asked.

“About what?”

“You.”

What?! What kind of damage did Kuramochi want to cause to Eijun with that?!

Miyuki laughed aloud for so long that Eijun got a bit worried and quickly forgot that he should be mad at Kuramochi.

“Sawamura? He’s so simple-minded that he doesn’t care about anything else but baseball.”

“You really think that?”

“What? You’re the one living with him. You should know by now how difficult it is to deal with him sometimes.”

“Well, yeah, because he’s an idiot. But an idiot with actual feelings, Miyuki, which you definitely lack.”

“What’s your point? He’s just a teammate that I happen to be in a relationship with.”

Eijun already had his hands over his eyes but he wasn’t quite sure what exactly hurt him the most. The fact that Miyuki called him ‘simple-minded’ shouldn’t have come as a surprise to him, but he was just on his way to confess to him… ‘Just a teammate’?

“That sounds terribly fake.” Kuramochi grunted.

“Well, maybe it is. Hell if I care.”

Eijun heard the metal bat hitting the floor and then footsteps coming at his direction, but he still couldn’t bring himself to move. Fortunately Miyuki somehow didn’t notice him, and Eijun watched in complete silence as he stormed off in his room’s direction.

Then he heard a yawn and when he looked up he saw Kuramochi glaring down at him.

“You heard everything?”

Eijun only nodded at that. He still wasn’t sure what this whole conversation meant, but it didn’t cheer him up in the slightest. In fact, he felt as if something heavy was lying on his chest.

Kuramochi sighed and put his hands on his hips.

“That guy’s an even bigger idiot than you are. Don’t worry, he will figure it out soon.”

“Figure out what?” Eijun asked in such a hoarse tone that it even surprised himself.

“Correction: you’re just as big of an idiot as he is. Come on, I got a new video game that I want to try out and I need someone that I can beat with it.”

Chapter Text

Kazuya’s gloomy and frustrated mood followed him to the next day, too. He was angry at almost everything that he could name, but mostly at himself. He tried his best to ignore it all during practice; however, even though he wasn’t paired up with Sawamura, that guy was still there, pitching quietly to Ono’s mitt.

Quietly. Sawamura. Kazuya couldn’t even imagine that once he would be able to connect those two things, but there he was, wondering what went so terribly wrong.

And then there was Kuramochi who just simply refused to talk to him.

The whole day was a disaster, and since it was a Sunday he had to spend practically all his day with them. After Furuya’s “Is something wrong, Miyuki-senpai?” he decided to put on a mask and returned to his well-practiced cheerful self, complimenting the pitcher every once in a while and ignoring the awful silence in the other side of the bullpen.

That was only until Kuramochi walked up to him during a quick break, breaking the silence with which he must’ve been punishing Kazuya for breaking Sawamura, or something like that.

“This is your fault.”

Kazuya gritted his teeth and took in a deep breath. Of course, he had come to the same realization even though he wasn’t quite sure what exactly he did wrong, but hearing that from someone completely unrelated to this whole situation only piled up his anger.

“I really don’t care, Kuramochi.”

“Yeah, I figured. Otherwise you would be there with him.”

“Tell me, Mr. Smartass, what exactly am I supposed to say to him?”

Kuramochi cocked his eyebrow and raised his head to be able to look even more down at Kazuya.

“You really don’t know?”

Kazuya was now pretty sure that Kuramochi was only playing with him, but still, he was in no mood for that. After spending almost a whole day on the edge of starting a fight with anyone he still couldn’t figure out why he felt so much anger and frustration; he was sure that it must have something to do with Sawamura and the way he was acting the day before, but he just simply failed to solve that mystery.

He stood up from the bench and he was already on his way out when Kuramochi called after him.

“If I were you, Miyuki, I would start with a simple ‘what’s wrong, Sawamura’.”

Kazuya left him without a word and searched for a quiet place where he could finally be alone for a couple minutes. He crouched down next to the fence where he could see everyone on the field all the while he was hidden by a tree.

He leaned his head back with a tired sigh. He really would have to find a solution for this all, otherwise he would have to live with his constant frustration for a while, and he had better and much more important things to do instead. He began to wonder what exactly went wrong; this whole week was actually a lot more fun than he thought it would be, and not just because Kuramochi finally stopped mocking him about the last match.

It was fun because of Sawamura.

“I’m telling you, Harucchi, I’m completely fine!”

Kazuya snapped his head at the familiar voice’s direction and noticed Sawamura and Kominato standing only a few feet away from him. They clearly hadn’t notice Kazuya who didn’t want to change that.

“Are you sure, Eijun-kun? If there’s something that I can help with-“

“It’s really nothing! It will pass!”

What the hell were they even talking about… Kazuya gripped a handful of grass with his hand and let them fall on his thighs.

The two first-years started to head back to the bullpen’s direction but thanks to Sawamura’s annoyingly loud voice he could still hear them.

“Kuramochi-senpai said that he will surely figure it out, but I can’t just sit back and wait!”

“Who are you talking about?”

“That’s not important! But he’s even more on my nerves than usual…”

“Eijun-kun?”

“Nothing, nothing!” Sawamura grinned and waved with his hand as if he would’ve wanted to brush the topic off. “I’ll just wait, I guess… But I’m perfectly fine, so really, no need to worry!”

Kazuya took in a deep breath and leaned his head back once again. Maybe that guy could convince Kominato with that, but Kazuya knew him well enough to know that something was still troubling him. And as his battery partner, it was Kazuya’s job to help him with that, otherwise he would fail as a catcher.

Maybe Kuramochi was right and just a simple question was needed – well, there was only one way to find that out.

The rest of the afternoon practice went by as a blur for Kazuya who even began joking around in the last hour – a tease here and there, some encouragement and compliment towards mostly Furuya and Nori, and in the end he almost forgot the whole problem of his that had been giving him such a hard time.

Coming back from the baths after everyone else already went back to their rooms he began humming a happy melody and was especially glad that there would be no uninvited intrusion in the evening in his room. He still had some homework for the next day and of course the upcoming match was concerning him now more and more.

Almost the moment he sat down behind his desk he heard someone knocking forcefully on his door. He rolled his eyes and got up, his earlier frustration coming back at full force. He would spare them enough time for just one question and then ask them to leave…

Well, that was his plan; but when he opened the door he found the only person standing outside who somehow always managed to ruin all of his plans.

“Sawamura?”

--

Eijun really had to do something. All day he restrained himself and waited patiently for something to happen, anything, really. He glanced at Miyuki’s direction almost every minute during the practice, but that guy was just damn good at averting his gaze.

Eijun did his best; he tried not to cause a ruckus and instead he stayed quiet. It was difficult at first, because whenever he managed to pitch to a really difficult spot he always turned his head, his eyes searching for Miyuki’s, whether he saw that or not. It was difficult, but he managed to bear it somehow – well, only until both Haruichi and even Kanemaru began interrogating him.

Then he decided that if Miyuki would continue to act that distantly around him then Eijun would just have to be the one to take a step.

“Sawamura?”

“Just so you know I won’t go anywhere until I tell you what I want to say, so you should let me inside before I begin shouting, Miyuki Kazuya.”

He folded his arms over his chest and watched as Miyuki’s expression changed from surprised to somehow amused. Eijun’s heart was fluttering at the familiar sight which he had no idea how much he missed.

“How impolite.”

“So? Would you spare a few minutes for me?”

“Are you talking to me again?”

Eijun was so surprised he accidentally took a step back, even though he wanted nothing else but to be in Miyuki’s room where he could somehow explain to him everything – maybe even his feelings towards him. But there was an angry glimpse in Miyuki’s eyes which he had only seen a few times before…

“Umm, yes? Why wouldn’t I?”

“You tell me. You run off yesterday and then you decided to avoid me.”

“I DID NOT!” Eijun shouted, quickly forgotten the fact that he was still outside, and most likely heard by everyone who were on their way to their rooms.

Miyuki folded his arms, too, and stood in the doorway just so Eijun wouldn’t be able to pass by him.

“Then what the hell was up with you?”

“Wh-“

“Because you let me think for a whole day that it was something that I did.”

Eijun took another step back. He only had to deal with a furious Miyuki like this once, when he still didn’t know about Chris-senpai’s injury, and even then he felt like he could crumble any second under his stare – and now that it was happening again he really would’ve like to run away from him.

Still, he couldn’t just do that.

“Well, it sort of was. Is.”

Miyuki’s scowl deepened and now there was nothing kind in his expression. Every instinct Eijun had warned him to take another step back, but he clenched his fists and stayed on his spot.

“But it was mainly my fault.” He added gravely. If he wanted to fix their current relationship then he would have to take the blame, even if it felt kind of wrong. “It was just… umm… something that I had to think through and I needed time, I think.”

“And what does it have to do with me?”

Miyuki was clearly still furious about something, even though Eijun felt like he just gave him a sort-of proper explanation. The only thing left was that he would confess to him, just like he planned the day before, but he was absolutely sure that it would’ve been a bad time for that.

“I can’t tell you that… But I really want things to go back to the way they were before, so can’t we just forget that this ever happened?”

Miyuki’s silence and his wrathful glance said it all. Eijun had no idea why he was still mad at him; he even went as far as to take the blame… Oh. Could it be that he was waiting for an apology?

He bowed a little and was incredibly glad that he couldn’t see Miyuki’s eyes in that position.

“I’m sorry. I will never run away like that again.” He said even though he wasn’t sure how he would continue to deal with both Miyuki’s constant presence and the realization how he felt about him. But if they would stay that distant forever then it all would be pointless.

He straightened his back when he heard Miyuki sighing.

“Still no explanation and you expect me to forgive you just like that?”

Eijun tried. He really did. He cringed and apologized for something that clearly wasn’t his fault, for something that he couldn’t do anything about. He suddenly remembered the conversation Miyuki had with Kuramochi last night and something inside him tore apart.

“I’m sorry if I’m so simple-minded that I can’t understand what else you want.” When Miyuki only stayed quiet at that, his face as expressionless as a wall, Eijun continued. “But I’m not just a simple teammate that you happen to be in a relationship with. I’m your pitcher, whether you acknowledge me or not. I’m your partner, whether you’re happy about it or not.”

He had no idea what had gotten to him, or where did he get the courage when he crossed the distance between them and grabbed the collar of Miyuki’s shirt to leave him no chance to escape. He tried to express everything that he felt when he kissed him so harshly and forcefully that Miyuki had to take a step back, even though Eijun didn’t let him go.

Eijun’s knuckles were white from gripping Miyuki’s shirt and at some point he even went as far as to bite Miyuki’s lower lip, but he really wanted him to stop acting as if Eijun meant nothing to him.

When he leaned back and saw how huge Miyuki’s eyes were he whispered one more thing before he turned around and stormed off.

“And I’m your fake boyfriend for one more week, just like you’re mine. So start acting like one, you jerk.”

Chapter Text

That loud and bold boy who kept surprising Kazuya day by day. That annoying idiot who had so much potential that just thinking about how Kazuya could help him bring it all out gave him goosebumps. That boy whose eyes shone as brightly as the sun, that boy whose kiss burned like fire, that boy who Kazuya just couldn’t get out of his head…

Last night when Sawamura acted as bravely as if he were standing on the mound, ready to pitch even in the most difficult situation, Kazuya watched him leave while that kiss still lingered on Kazuya’s lips. He had no idea for how long he stood in the doorway, but once he got out of that strange spell he burst out laughing and he just couldn’t stop, not even when someone knocked on the other side of the wall from a nearby room of his.

All of his former anger and frustration didn’t matter now and he couldn’t care less about them; the only thing that mattered was that he would do absolutely everything to make Sawamura regret the way he acted and the way he kissed him.

“That little brat…”

Unfortunately for him – and fortunately for Sawamura – that guy wasn’t in the cafeteria in the next morning. Kazuya waited even after everyone had already left, but it seemed that the younger boy had either eaten his breakfast before him or he just simply skipped it.

Oh, if he thought that he could escape Kazuya that simply…

The moment their lunch break started he got up from his desk and he almost reached the door when Kuramochi called out to him.

“Hey, Miyuki, what the hell are you planning?”

“Nothing.” He tried to sound as innocently as possible but it was especially hard with his smirk on the way. Not that he could’ve ever convinced Kuramochi about anything though, even though he never stopped trying.

Kuramochi snorted and gave him a warning look, but before he could’ve said anything Kazuya was already out of the room, heading to the direction of a certain first-year’s classroom.

However, when he reached it and peaked inside he couldn’t see nor hear him; but when he spotted the younger Kominato sitting by a desk he decided to walk up to him, his hands in his pockets to look as casual as ever.

“Have you seen Sawamura?”

The pink-haired boy only spared him a quick glance before he returned his attention back to his lunch.

“He looked like he didn’t quite want to talk to you now.” He said and Kazuya shook his head in disbelief. He will have to teach that brat a lesson or two…

“Yeah, I figured. So, where is he?”

The younger Kominato sighed and managed to hide his eyes even more behind his bangs.

“On the roof. But don’t tell him I said that.”

Kazuya grinned victoriously and turned around while he waved a little in gratitude. On the roof, huh…

When he stepped outside he was greeted by a gentle breeze that he might’ve appreciated if he hadn’t been so fixated on finding a certain someone. There were only a few students spending their lunch break up there but Kazuya didn’t even bother greeting them; not when he finally spotted a familiar profile on his right, leaning his back against the wall. Kazuya grinned once again and folded his arms over his chest as he stopped right in front of him.

Sawamura’s surprised reactions were always priceless; it was either a hilariously high-pitched scream, a loud shout or just a simple stumbling back. This time he might’ve done all three but unfortunately he was busy with his lunch, so when he noticed who exactly was standing there he almost choked on his food.

“Hi.” Kazuya greeted him, his grin never fading. Aah, this is just way too easy…

“W-w-w-what are you doing here?!” Sawamura asked once he finally stopped coughing.

“Looking for you. Why are you hiding from me?”

Even though he was somehow sure about the answer he still couldn’t resist teasing him a little. And besides, he deserved it after what he did last night.

Sawamura quickly averted his gaze and began playing with his chopsticks.

“I’m not.” He mumbled quietly, his cheeks getting more and more rosier much to Kazuya’s amusement. Kazuya sat down next to him with a light sigh, their shoulders barely touching.

“That’s not the way you should act around your catcher.”

Kazuya thought that his words would get a reaction out of him, but when Sawamura stayed quiet he decided to push it a little more, evoking their last conversation and what Sawamura had said to him.

“Or you prefer to refer to me as your partner? Well, I couldn’t quite object since I was the one who called you like that first, wasn’t I.”

Still no reaction, besides the blush that was very well fitting on his cheeks, Kazuya thought and leaned a bit closer to him to be able to whisper his next words to him.

“Or you want me to be your fake boyfriend now?”

When he reached out to get those chopsticks out of Sawamura’s hand to finally turn the younger boy’s attention to him, Sawamura visibly shivered and moved a few inches away from Kazuya, who only snickered at that.

“What now? It’s your decision, Sawamura.”

“Would you stop it?!” He growled so quietly Kazuya almost didn’t catch it. But when he did, his grin widened and he put his arm over Sawamura’s shoulder to bring him closer to him and to forbid him from moving even farther away.

“Hmm~? Stop what?”

Sawamura was still averting his gaze, so Kazuya reached out to lift his chin up, and when their eyes met he practically felt how Sawamura froze.

“Where’s the boy who kissed me like that last night?”

Sawamura blinked a couple times before he scowled and brushed Kazuya’s hand off. He tried to lean away from him, too, but Kazuya didn’t let him that.

“You are the absolute worst, Miyuki Kazuya!”

“Hahaa, I know. But I’m your fake boyfriend for one more week, as you gently reminded me. So, should I start acting like one, shouldn’t I?”

“Why? There’s no one around.”

Kazuya glanced up at the sky above them and decided to use the remained time from their lunch break to its best.

“Then let’s go and find someone. I want to repay that kiss.”

--

Eijun had already regretted his words at least a million times and if he could’ve gone back in time he would’ve surely slapped himself before he could’ve done such idiotic thing…

And then there was Miyuki, who somehow always managed to make everything a thousand times worse than they already were.

“Do we really have to hold hands?” Eijun mumbled and tried to focus his gaze on the floor ahead of him, but he could still feel the curious glances from the students that they just passed by. Of course, Miyuki only tightened his grip and he even swang their interlinked hands a little.

“What? Do you want something else to do~?”

Eijun quickly shook his head a couple hundred times and scowled when he heard Miyuki snickering. He was enjoying this way too much…

After Eijun left him last night he headed off towards the bullpen’s direction to find a place where he could finally be alone with his troubling thoughts. He wasn’t in love with Miyuki, no. Who could be?! That guy was just insufferable in every way possible…

However, he still couldn’t deny the fact that he wasn’t exactly indifferent towards him, and he actually liked their new weird relationship, even though it confused him from time to time. He liked being close to Miyuki, of course he did; despite his shitty personality he was a person that Eijun could look up to. He had countless flaws and he didn’t seem like he would start working on them anytime soon, but he was the reason why Eijun ended up in Seido, and if he could’ve gone back in time he wouldn’t have changed anything.

It wasn’t love, but it certainly wasn’t just friendship what Eijun felt towards him. This whole fake relationship somehow perfectly matched his feelings.

“Why are we going towards my classroom?” He asked suspiciously and tried to slow down their pace a little, but Miyuki didn’t let him.

“Why, because I want to spend my lunch break with you.”

“In my classroom?!”

Miyuki flashed a ridiculously smug glance at him that normally would’ve earned a shout from Eijun, but he couldn’t react like that when one of his teachers just passed by them.

“We still have six days left. What do you say, shouldn’t we use it to its fullest?”

Eijun gritted his teeth and turned his head away. Of course, of course Miyuki wouldn’t make it any easier for him…

“You’re only doing this to embarrass me, aren’t you, you jerk…”

“Hahaa, I can’t exactly deny that.”

Fortunately the classroom was almost empty, except for a couple students who pushed two desks together, and two familiar figures sitting by the window.

“Furuya?!” Eijun shouted and he didn’t even care about the fact that his hand was still in Miyuki’s hold, nor that the older boy was standing unnecessarily close to him. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Furuya paid no attention to them, only Haruichi glanced up and waved a little.

“Oh, so you’ve found him, Miyuki-senpai.”

“Of course I did.” Miyuki answered with a ridiculously smug expression. Eijun finally freed his hand and sat down on an empty chair by their desk, Miyuki quickly following his movements and sitting down right next to him.

Somehow the presence of Eijun’s two best friends managed to chase his former anxiety away and he didn’t mind it that much now that Miyuki rested his hand on his knee under the desk, even though it felt weirdly out of place somehow.

Eijun decided to ignore it and grabbed his bag to pull his half-finished lunch out. He squinted at Miyuki who looked like he was having the time of his life.

“Are you hungry?” Eijun couldn’t believe he was actually offering his lunch to him, being nice to someone as rotten as Miyuki. For barely a second Miyuki seemed to be surprised at that, too, before he chuckled and reached out for Eijun’s chopsticks.

“Umm, Miyuki-senpai, we’ll have the team meeting tonight about our next match?” Haruichi asked and Eijun almost jumped a little because he managed to forget that they weren’t exactly alone. Damn Miyuki.

“Yes.” Miyuki’s tone was surprisingly even, like he was just having a normal conversation with normal circumstances – which were probably true for him, but for Eijun this whole lunch break felt as surreal as if it weren’t happening to him. “We still have a week left until the match but I want to point out some facts beforehand, to help us all practice until then.”

“I will get to pitch, right, Miyuki-senpai?” Furuya asked with a little hope in his usually unfazed tone which managed to anger Eijun just like it always did.

“FURUYA!! Just because you got that number it doesn’t mean—“

“Sure it does.” Miyuki interrupted him, his hand squeezing his knee a little. “I personally think it would be best if Furuya would start.”

Eijun’s jaw dropped. He had never felt that betrayed…

Then Miyuki snickered and leaned back on his chair.

“But it’s not up to me, though. You just have to show the coach which one of you would be the best until Saturday.”

Eijun scowled and snapped both his food and his chopsticks from Miyuki. He didn’t deserve any kindness from him…

“Then will you catch for me in the afternoon?” Furuya asked and it took a lot of effort for Eijun not to snap right back something. He decided to fume quietly and moved a bit farther away from Miyuki, who only laughed at that.

“I would, but I happen to owe this guy.” He bumped his shoulder to Eijun’s whose gloomy mood suddenly vanished.

“You do?”

Miyuki’s grin widened and he even winked at Eijun.

“Oh yeah. I owe you a loooot of things~.”

Eijun’s scowl immediately returned and he turned his head away. He dared to think for a second that maybe Miyuki had some good intentions, but clearly that wasn’t the case in the slightest. He just wanted to embarrass Eijun, or something as reprehensible as that…

Before he could’ve retorted something at that the bell rang and more and more classmates of theirs began heading inside the classroom. How the hell did the lunch break end so quickly?!

Oh, right. He squinted at Miyuki as if to accuse him for that, but it clearly had no effect on the older boy as he only watched Eijun with his usual smug expression.

Furuya stood up and began walking away to his own class when Miyuki got up, too. Eijun sighed a little in relief to have a few hours without having to deal with his teasing and quite embarrassing behavior when suddenly Miyuki leaned down and kissed him in front of the whole class, as if it was the most natural thing to do. Eijun felt his cheeks getting warmer and warmer and despite the fact that he wanted nothing else but to push Miyuki away he found himself kissing him back.

When Miyuki leaned back he touched Eijun’s lips softly with his thumb.

“See you soon, darling~.”

Chapter Text

As Kazuya watched Nabe pointing out the weak and the strong points of their next opponents he couldn’t help but feel a little bit left out. Sure, it was great to have someone as reliable as Nabe who probably had spent his free time watching videos in the past few days, but still, he felt that it was supposed to be his job, and he couldn’t brush that annoying and pointless feeling off.

He would definitely deserve the award for the worst captain in the history of Seido…

Next to him Kuramochi gave him an irritated look and Kazuya wouldn’t have been surprised if the other boy would’ve just had the same thought. Instead of having to deal with that he glanced around and smiled a little when he spotted that idiot in the far end of the cafeteria, surrounded by Kominato and Kanemaru on his left, all three of them paying close attention to what Nobu was saying.

Kazuya began to wonder whether they would act the same way if he would be the one standing in front of the team… Nah, probably not.

After Nabe finished Kazuya leaned back on his chair with a heavy sigh and closed his eyes. He desperately needed a distraction from his troubling thoughts about the match, from the expectations from the others as their captain, and most importantly, from Kuramochi who was definitely just about to make a remark about that all…

He heard someone plopping down on his left and even though he had no idea who they were he was already thankful for them. Then Kuramochi spoke up and Kazuya’s lips quirked up to form a smile.

“You better not think that I would repeat any of this to you, Sawamura.”

“No need to worry, Kuramochi-senpai. I memorized every word I just heard.”

“That sounds highly unbelievable coming from you.” Kazuya said without even opening his eyes. Still, his smile widened when he heard Sawamura fuming and probably leaning closer to him.

“I’m not as dumb as you think I am!”

Kazuya was already chuckling when Kuramochi burst out laughing on his right.

“Kyahahaa, you shouldn’t lie to your upperclassmen, you idiot!”

“I WAS NOT!!”

“Why are you always so loud…” Kazuya shook his head and finally opened his eyes, sparing only a quick glance at Sawamura’s almost furious expression. It was just way too easy to rile that guy up…

“Come on, Sawamoron, I need to teach you a lesson or two.” Kuramochi got up and glared at the younger boy who jumped up without a second thought. There must’ve been something here, Kazuya wondered; it would’ve been too wonderful if he could’ve had some alone time that easily.

“I’m guessing you’ll invade my room again tonight, Kuramochi?”

“You know me so well.” Kuramochi answered while he put Sawamura’s head into a headlock that looked quite painful for the younger boy. Maybe Kazuya should save him, since that was what a good boyfriend would do…

Nah.

“Have fun until then~.”

He kept snickering while Sawamura was continuously shouting and Kuramochi kicking him to move forward, and when everyone else left he finally got up, too, and walked to his room with his hands in his pockets. All in all it was such a fun day, and when the coach strongly implied that Furuya would pitch for the first five innings Sawamura didn’t oppose it nor he let it affect his mood – he pitched to Ono as cheerfully and loudly as ever, much to Kazuya’s relief.

That guy just kept surprising him in every way possible…

Kazuya didn’t have to wait too long for the first visitors, or more accurately, the first invaders. Kuramochi brought at least three video games with him and he immediately handed a controller to Maezono, who looked like he was about to put his whole life on winning the first round. Kazuya lay on his stomach on his bed, reading a sports magazine that he bought a couple days ago, and snickering every time Maezono cursed Kuramochi’s character.

He had no idea how much time had passed but more and more people arrived, either joining the vice-captains’ vicious battle or just simply occupying themselves with whatever they could found. Kazuya wasn’t a big fan of these kinds of evenings but this time he almost went as far as to enjoy it.

Then he felt a curious gaze by his bed and he didn’t even have to turn his head to know who it belonged to.

“How was Kuramochi’s lesson?”

Sawamura grunted and crossed his arms on the side of the bed to rest his head on them. Kazuya smirked and turned a page in his magazine. Kuramochi chose that moment to begin dancing in victory and he almost stepped on Sawamura’s foot with his weird moves that made Kazuya almost laugh aloud.

“D’you want to go outside?” He asked quietly because he wasn’t sure whether Sawamura would survive the next minutes – or possibly hours – without a few bruises, and even though Furuya would start in the match Sawamura was still an essential part of the team.

However, the younger boy only grunted once again and peeked up at Kazuya over his arms.

“I’m too tired.”

“Why don’t you go back to your room then?”

Sawamura hid his face again and made a cute whine that caused a funny feeling somewhere in Kazuya’s stomach.

“Fine.” He sighed and closed his magazine. “Just because I’m so generous I offer you my bed.”

“I’m already asleep.” Sawamura mumbled but Kazuya decided to ignore him as he got up and sat down next to Sawamura, his back leaned against the bed. He opened his magazine on his thighs and pushed his glasses up on his nose.

He stayed quiet and he was already sure that Sawamura had actually fallen asleep when suddenly he grunted again and slowly crawled up onto the bed. Kazuya smirked victoriously and turned a page. He would’ve loved to make a witty comment but Sawamura was already snoring, despite the deafening noise coming from the far end of the room.

The rest of the night passed by more quickly than usual; after Kazuya managed to play a tie in shogi with Kominato who was way more of a tactician than his looks gave away, he talked to Furuya about the match because the younger boy had somehow fallen asleep in the middle of Nobu’s speech, and in the end he even cheered a bit for Maezono who finally managed to beat Kuramochi in such a silly game that watching their reactions was actually funnier than that.

At around 10PM the intruders finally began to leave one by one; however, when Kuramochi tried to wake up Sawamura and failed he turned to Kazuya with a scowl.

“Can’t I just leave him here? Return him in the morning or something.”

“Wow, what a great roommate you are.”

“Shut up. He’s way too heavy.” Kuramochi retorted but stopped once he reached the door. “Don’t make me regret this.”

Kazuya snickered and flashed a grin at Kuramochi.

“Aww, and now you’re playing the overprotective brother? I can’t wait to tell him that once he wakes up~.”

“Don’t you dare.”

The door closed and Kazuya sighed tiredly. He had never asked to have a roommate; it was a blessing to have some alone time in a crowded place like their dorm. And on top of that it just had to be the noisiest person amongst them all…

Aah, maybe he’d done something terrible in his previous life to deserve this…

He glanced at Sawamura who was sprawled out on his bed in such a ridiculous pose that Kazuya almost laughed aloud. Instead he raised his blanket and tugged him in, even though he was somehow sure that he would kick it off soon. There were only problems with that guy.

He lied down on the uncomfortable bed on the other side of the room and made a pillow from folding a couple t-shirts of his. He would seriously have to buy another pillow soon if this would keep happening to him… Still, he didn’t mind the small noises that much that left Sawamura’s mouth, and it even helped him fall asleep. He just wished that he would get a lovely dream to crown that fun day.

--

Eijun was so tired and worn out he didn’t think his situation through. After paying very close attention to Nabe’s advices and instructions – because he wanted to do absolutely everything to make sure he would get to pitch in the match – he had to endure Kuramochi, too, who was apparently bored and he just came up with a new idea for a wrestling move, which Eijun didn’t appreciate that much… All his usual energy was gone, and he just wanted to sleep for a week.

Still, it was a Monday night, which meant that he would have to get up early in the next four days at least. It was no wonder why he fell asleep almost the minute he put down his head on Miyuki’s pillow, and it didn’t even bother him at all that they weren’t alone. It was probably better this way, though, since it seemed somehow as a proof that they were actually going out.

He just wished that he wouldn’t have to constantly think about stuff like that, and he could just enjoy the fun moments with Miyuki…

When he woke up it was still dark in the room. He turned around a few times but he had no idea what had woken him up; it was strangely quiet and he got a bit worried that maybe Miyuki wasn’t even there.

Then he heard him.

“No. Please, no.”

His eyes snapped wide open and he sat up on the bed in a flash. Miyuki’s tone was strangled, like he was just about to cry. Eijun was so shocked he stayed frozen on his spot, wondering what the hell was going on.

“No, nooo.”

He was having a nightmare?!

Eijun quickly got up and crossed the little distance between them, hoping that he won’t stumble over anything that the others might’ve left on the floor. Miyuki’s whines were getting louder and more unbearable for Eijun who crouched down next to his bed and bit his lips trying to figure out what to do. Sure, having nightmares wasn’t such an extraordinary deal, but with Miyuki… He probably didn’t want anyone to see him like that.

He shook his head a bit and put his hands on Miyuki’s shoulders. Who cares what that insufferable guy thinks… Maybe he wouldn’t talk to Eijun for a couple days, or he would even break up with him. That didn’t stop Eijun from trying to wake him up.

“Hey, Miyuki, come on, it’s just a dream!” He hushed and shook him, but Miyuki only continued to repeat that one simple word. Eijun touched Miyuki’s cheek hoping that he would finally wake up somehow. Then he braced himself and slapped Miyuki without thinking it through.

Miyuki’s eyes flew open and he sat up so quickly that it even scared Eijun a bit. The younger boy immediately hid his hand behind his back to avoid accused of the red mark on Miyuki’s cheek.

“What the hell?!” Miyuki whispered, his breath still so uneven that it worried Eijun.

“You had a nightmare.”

Miyuki furrowed his eyebrows and brushed his red cheek.

“Did you really just slap me?”

“I DID NOT!” Eijun half-shouted. “I just wanted you to wake up.”

“Well, you did.” Miyuki chuckled dryly and lay back on the bed with his back to Eijun. “’Night.”

Eijun knew that he should’ve probably go back to sleep and act like as if nothing had happened but he just couldn’t stop worrying. Was it just a one time or was Miyuki actually suffering from constant nightmares? And what could’ve caused him that much suffering?

“D’you want to talk about it?” Eijun asked so quietly even he wasn’t sure whether he actually said it aloud or not.

“Goodnight, Sawamura.”

Alright then, Eijun thought and slowly went back to his – to Miyuki’s bed. Still, he couldn’t just let that go… Most likely he was the only one who knew about this, the only one who could’ve helped him. Miyuki clearly had his many flaws but that didn’t mean that he didn’t deserve any help, even if only a little.

“I used to have nightmares, too.” Eijun mumbled without turning around. He didn’t know whether Miyuki was awake or not but he hoped that somehow he would hear him. “It was terrifying, but not as bad as when I had them during sleepovers. After the first occasion I was sure I would never attend any sleepover ever again.”

He took in a deep breath and raised his blanket to cover his face with it even though no one could see him.

“But my best friend, Wakana, insisted for me to go and… And after I told her about my nightmares, which seem so silly now, she was supernice and she didn’t tell them to anyone. Just… If you want to tell someone I won’t tell it to anyone either.”

He stayed quiet for a couple minutes but the only thing he heard was Miyuki’s even breathing. Well, at least he tried… He let the blanket cover his face and he was already on the brink of falling back to sleep when he heard a sigh that sounded weirdly like the word “Thanks”, but he had no idea whether he only imagined it or not.

Chapter Text

Kazuya was so angry at himself that he accidentally became angry at Sawamura, too, even though that boy didn’t do anything wrong – well, at least this time.

“I’ll be going then.”

Kazuya nodded without turning around. It was a shame that it wasn’t a weekend like last time, and he couldn’t left him behind like he wanted to. Why the hell did that nightmare had to come up right now… He was already over his past, the suffocating silence that always greeted him at home. And it just had to be Sawamura of all people to notice it…

Life just wasn’t fair.

When he spotted the younger boy in the cafeteria he almost unintentionally turned his head and walked to sit the furthest away from him. Kazuya absolutely didn’t want to deal with his worry-filled glances even if it meant that someone would surely notice their distance – and he didn’t have to wait too long for that to happen.

“Aww, trouble in paradise?”

Kuramochi probably saw this as a perfect opportunity to deepen Kazuya’s sufferings, but Kazuya was having none of it.

“Like you would know what it’s like.”

“What, have you two already broken up or something?”

Kazuya sighed and spared a quick glance at Sawamura’s direction only to see him offering a high-five to Kominato.

“Nope.” Kazuya knew that Kuramochi wouldn’t leave him alone, so he had to figure out something quickly… When he came up with a wonderful idea he just wished that Sawamura wouldn’t start a fight because of it. “Actually, if you’re so eager to hear me out, I might’ve caused some trouble.”

“Like you don’t always do that.” Kuramochi snorted and crossed his arms over his chest.

“I think I was a bit too straightforward… Or he just doesn’t feel the same way?”

“What the hell are you talking about?!”

Kazuya tried to suppress his grin but it was especially hard, so he glanced at Sawamura once again. It would be a good test to see whether the younger boy would spill any details about last night, or he would actually surprise Kazuya and keep Kazuya’s nightmare a secret. Kuramochi would probably just laugh if he would find that out, and besides, Kazuya wasn’t interested in his opinion in the slightest.

He leaned closer to him and half-whispered his next words.

“I thought it was a good time to tell him I love him, but he only said ‘thanks’. Was I supposed to wait a little more?”

The way Kuramochi’s eyebrows shut up was enough to make Kazuya grin but he quickly changed it into a smirk before Kuramochi would’ve gotten suspicious. Of course, there was no way Kazuya wouldn’t bring the best out of any situation, including this one, too.

“Not like I was disappointed or anything, but our make out session would’ve been miiiiles better if he would’ve just—“

He didn’t need to finish his sentence because Kuramochi had already gotten up and left him without a word. Kazuya snickered and finished his breakfast with a huge smile on his face that he just couldn’t brush off.

Fortunately his little teasing was enough reason for Kuramochi not to talk to him, which Kazuya didn’t mind at all. Still, he knew that he would have to deal with an annoyingly pissed off Sawamura later, but that could’ve waited; instead he decided to visit him during lunch break before Kuramochi could’ve accidentally told him what he had said.

This time Sawamura wasn’t hiding on the roof, and he looked genuinely surprised when Kazuya stepped inside their classroom. Maybe he thought that Kazuya would avoid him just like he did in the morning, huh… All the more reason to be around him, Kazuya thought and sat down next to him and Kominato.

Sawamura kept averting his gaze so Kazuya decided to act like as if nothing had happened; maybe it would help the younger boy to act the same way as usual and he would finally forget about last night.

“We have a match to finish, Kominato.” Kazuya said with a smirk; of course, it was enough to get Sawamura’s attention, and he could felt his curious gaze. “That tie was quite unfortunate.”

The younger Kominato smiled in quite an evil way that it reminded Kazuya a bit of his older brother.

“I won’t lose, Miyuki-senpai.”

“Hahahaa, bring it on~.”

“What the hell are you talking about?!” Sawamura squinted at Kominato and then at Kazuya, who was just glad that he was finally looking at him. “What match??”

“Something that you would stand absolutely no chance against us.”

“WHAT?!”

Kazuya snickered and leaned a bit closer to him.

“Or do you think that you are better than me?”

Sawamura scowled for a second before he puffed his cheeks and glared at Kazuya with such intensity that Kazuya almost backed away – almost.

“Someone with such a twisted personality would be no match for me.”

“Ohoo? Is that so?” Kazuya was enjoying this way too much now, and there was no way that he would’ve stopped. “I’m sensing a possible bet here.”

“Eijun-kun—“ The younger Kominato tried to interrupt them but fortunately for Kazuya Sawamura was totally riled up now.

“It’s on then!”

“Eijun-kun, you don’t even know what this is about…”

“THAT DOESN’T MATTER! I’ll show you, Miyuki Kazuya, that I am more than just a simple-minded idiot!!”

Kazuya winced at the familiar words with which he might’ve described Sawamura to Kuramochi in a weak moment of his… but that was impossible; Sawamura surely didn’t hear him.

Still, he was glad that that ‘simple-minded idiot’ didn’t treat him any differently that Kazuya thought he surely would. Kazuya’s lips quirked up and as he stood up he reached out to ruffle Sawamura’s hair.

“After practice. If I win, which I’m quite certain of, you will have to do everything I ask you for a whole day.”

“But… if I win then…”

There was no chance that Kazuya would let him win; but still, it would be a great bait to offer what he wanted to hear.

“Yup. Then I’ll be the one to obey you.”

The way Sawamura’s eyes lit up said it all; Kazuya snickered and turned to leave. When he heard Sawamura shouting ‘HARUCCHI!!! WHAT KIND OF MATCH WILL IT BE?!” he put his palm over his mouth and walked to his classroom with a very pleased feeling that only faltered for a second when he realized that he forgot to warn Sawamura about what he said to Kuramochi in the morning.

He considered turning around but… But he simply shrugged and continued his way to his class. It wasn’t his problem after all.

--

“SHOGI?!”

“Calm down, Eijun-kun, the class has already started…”

Calm down?! Eijun might’ve just made the biggest mistake in his life, how the hell was he supposed to calm down?! He hid his face behind his arms and he didn’t even glance up until the end of their class. It was just cruel. Way too cruel.

And shogi of all things…

He was soooo done for.

“Harucchi, I’m leaving everything to you. Give my manga collection to Spitz-senpai, he might appreciate it.”

Haruichi only sighed as an answer and patted Eijun on the shoulder, who suddenly came up with a brilliant idea and rushed off before Haruichi could’ve said anything. Eijun only stopped once he reached the school library and when he found the section with a few books about strategy games he almost cried out in victory.

Of course he knew how to play shogi; he had played it countless times with his grandpa ever since he could remember. But… but that bet was awfully dangerous to him. He just had to come to terms with his feelings when he managed to put himself in such a dangerous situation…

He walked back to his dorm room with a dozen books under his right arm – half of them which he had already browsed through – and one in his left which he was reading as he walked, and he only got lucky that he didn’t bump into something or someone. He had to find a new tactic or strategy, because Miyuki seemed totally like someone who could win awards with this game.

When he stepped inside while mumbling what he was just reading he almost screamed upon finding Kuramochi standing right in front of him.

“Yo, Sawamura.”

“WHAT DID I DO?!”

Kuramochi kicked him on his shin and Eijun stumbled inside the room, dropping his books on his bed.

“Tell your boyfriend to stop pouring me with details about what you two do.”

“HE’S N—wait, what?”

Kuramochi grunted and this time he karate-chopped Eijun’s head.

“And don’t make him grumpier than necessary for god’s sake!”

“What are you talking about?!” Eijun whined and brushed the spot on the top of his head that Kuramochi just hit. He took a couple steps back until he felt like he was in a safe distance from Kuramochi’s wrath.

“I thought you were the one who asked him out, weren’t you?”

Oh, right. That lie.

“Yeah, so?”

“And you don’t love him?”

“I, umm, I do?” Oh god, this was the first time that he admitted it out loud… He began to wish that the ground would open up under him soon… Like really, really soon.

“Then why didn’t you tell him that? I had to deal with his dejected mood all day!”

Eijun blinked a couple times but he couldn’t quite process Kuramochi’s words; something was missing…

“What did he say to you?” He squinted and clenched his fists. If that insufferable guy had brought even more trouble to him…

“That he actually said that he loves you, which is, believe me, a tiny little bit unbelievable coming from him, but still… and that you only said ‘thanks’ as an answer.”

Oooh…

“Would you excuse me, Kuramochi-senpai?” Eijun whispered as his anger kept riling and riling up inside him. That guy… He will smash the whole shogi game in his pretty face…

He didn’t wait for Kuramochi’s answer; instead he stormed off and fumed all the way to Miyuki’s room, hoping that he would be there. They still had about half an hour before practice, and there was no way Eijun could’ve waited until then.

He didn’t even bother knocking; he just swang Miyuki’s door open and let his furious expression speak for himself.

Miyuki wasn’t even surprised at his intrusion; he was lying on his bed with his magazine just like the previous night. However, when he glanced up he immediately began grinning.

“Oh? So you’ve finally found it out.”

“Why do you have to make my life so much more difficult than it already is?!” Eijun whined as he stepped inside and sat down on the floor, still glaring intently at Miyuki. “I can’t imagine how rotten you could be inside.”

“Hahaa, but it was so funny to watch his expression… and yours, too.”

Eijun scowled but he still didn’t turn his head away.

“You’ll pay for this.”

“I will?” Miyuki asked back with his usual smug expression and closed his magazine.

“I want that match now.”

“We don’t have enough time to finish it bef—“

“Now, Miyuki Kazuya!”

Miyuki chuckled and sat up; Eijun suddenly realized that it was just the two of them, in Miyuki’s room, and this time he didn’t come to him to prove anyone that they were going out. It wasn’t love that had driven him there, god no… But he felt a bit unsure whether he really should’ve been there or not.

Miyuki pulled the game out of his drawer and sat down in front of Eijun, who was currently having a hard time trying to remember the strategies that he had read. He should’ve waited a little more, maybe even involving some practice with Haruichi… Arrgh, why did Kuramochi had to tell him that now… Why did Miyuki had to tell that lie to Kuramochi?!

“I would hate to be late from practice so I won’t hold back.” Miyuki chirped and made his first move.

“Says the guy who was late on the first day, too…”

“Hahahaa, do you still remember that?”

“I couldn’t pitch for almost a whole month because of you, you shitty senpai!!”

Miyuki kept snickering and despite the fact that Eijun was playing sort of with his life on the line he began to enjoy it, too.

And when he actually won the game he even forgot that they should’ve already been at practice.

Chapter Text

Kazuya was doomed. Most likely in every way possible.

When he woke up in the next day he considered faking to be sick and calling it a day off, but then he realized that he was actually thinking about running away from Sawamura, which he knew that it would’ve been absolutely impossible, so he discarded the thought with a sigh and slowly got up. He was sure that he was just about to face the most miserable day in his life…

But then again; why couldn’t he brush his smile off?

He decided to walk to the cafeteria just barely before his first class would’ve started; hopefully Sawamura had already left by then, and he wouldn’t have to deal with his—

“MIYUKI KAZUYA!”

Noooooo.

Kazuya didn’t turn around neither slowed his pace; by the time he reached the door Sawamura had already caught up with him, grinning like the idiot he was.

“Are you running away, Miyuki-senpai?”

“As if I could…” Seriously, how did Chris-senpai manage to deal with Sawamura’s constant attention all those times?! That brat was like a little puppy, always searching for his attention…

And when he grabbed Kazuya’s arm the older boy immediately began regretting not to fake ill when he had the chance.

“Have you forgotten what day it is?”

That little…

“Just spit it out, I don’t have my whole life only for you.”

Kazuya thought that he might have went too far with his words, but upon seeing the unfading grin of Sawamura he realized that he wouldn’t be able to destroy his mood simply with words. He was doomed. Like really, really doomed.

“As impatient as ever, I see… I can get your word to catch for me in the afternoon, right?”

Kazuya didn’t want to tell him that the coach told him exactly the same thing last night; instead he pretended to be generous enough to accept his wish.

“Just because you asked so nicely~.”

The cafeteria was completely empty, so Kazuya plopped down by the nearest table to the door with his tray; Sawamura followed him and at some point he even began humming something. Kazuya had never eaten in such a rush before as that time.

“So… I was thinking.” Sawamura said and it took a lot of effort for Kazuya not to choke on his food. Sawamura – thinking?! Then the younger boy took out a crumbled paper from his pocket. “And I might’ve written a list.”

“Oh god…”

“I wanted to have breakfast with you, but you woke up so late that I already had mine, so that’s a cross…”

Kazuya mentally gave a high-five to himself for deciding to come to the cafeteria in the last minute.

“But let’s get to my second point: I want you to buy something to me for lunch.”

“Is your whole list seriously about food?”

“I WAS HUNGRY WHEN I WROTE IT OKAY!” Sawamura shouted and this time Kazuya couldn’t resist rolling his eyes. “I won’t bother you at school, even though I could…”

“How generous…”

“But I want you to compliment me after every single pitch in the afternoon.”

Of course. His praise kink again. Maybe if Kazuya could make it a bit embarrassing then he might rethink that idea…

“Shall I walk up to you for a kiss after every pitch?”

However, Sawamura actually seemed to consider that idea, even though his cheeks had picked up a red shade. Kazuya snickered and stood up, putting his half-finished breakfast on the counter.

“After practice I want a massage,” Sawamura continued as cheerfully as ever, “Some compliments about how awesome I was at practice, because it could never hurt—“

“If it’s you then it’s not entirely impossible…”

“—and stop with your snarky comments!”

Kazuya took in a deep breath as they entered the school’s front door. They had only a few minutes before they would finally have to separate ways but it already seemed like an eternity for Kazuya.

“Anything else?”

Sawamura stayed quiet for a while which made Kazuya worry; what even could there be on that list…

“It’s… You’re not entitled to do that, but… but I would really like to help you to get over your nightmare.”

“No.”

“But—“

“No, Sawamura.”

The younger boy didn’t say anything else as they reached his classroom; however, his mood had clearly dropped to the lowest level, and Kazuya just couldn’t leave him like that. He sighed and turned to face him.

“Look, I don’t want to talk about it, okay? It’s not… It’s nothing.”

“Is it?” Sawamura asked quietly and Kazuya almost subconsciously clenched his fists by his side.

“It is. You don’t need to care.”

“But…” If possible, Sawamura’s voice was even quieter now and he did a wonderful job at averting Kazuya’s gaze. “But I do.”

Okay, Kazuya wasn’t prepared for that in the slightest. It was way too early for having to deal with all that annoying stuff that Sawamura had come up; but this?!

Still, there was one thing that Kazuya couldn’t just brush off, no matter how desperately he wanted to head to his classroom, even if it meant dealing with Kuramochi’s smug face, because there was no way that he wouldn’t have known about their bet.

So Kazuya braced himself and asked one simple question for which he almost didn’t want to hear the answer.

“Why?”

The bell rang above their heads, signing the start of their first class, but Kazuya wasn’t able to take any step, and neither did Sawamura.

“Because I care, okay?!”

“Is it because of the fake relationship thing? Because if so—“

“IT’S NOT!” It was only then that Kazuya noticed that Sawamura’s hands were actually shaking even though he tried not to take his eyes off of the younger boy’s. “I care because it’s you, you shitty senpai!”

And with that Sawamura turned around and disappeared behind the door of his classroom, leaving Kazuya behind, who simply blinked a couple times before he began walking away, too, trying to make sense of what the hell just happened.

--

Eijun was doomed. He didn’t even raise his head from his desk during his classes.

He had every chance to have a wonderful day, doing his best to drive Miyuki crazy who seemed to be in a way too cheerful mode for the past few days, especially when he was embarrassing Eijun. Miyuki deserved what was coming, but when Eijun actually began thinking about what he should ask from him he found himself at a loss, and Kuramochi’s cruel advices weren’t that much of a help.

But then he just had to ruin it with telling him that… that he cares about him?! Oh god, he basically confessed to him…

He bumped his forehead against his desk without realizing that the teacher was actually standing right next to him; but he couldn’t bring himself to care about that now. He had way more important things to deal with.

He decided to continue his suffering during lunch break, too, and his mood became so dark that even Haruichi didn’t bother him and instead he ate elsewhere. Eijun silently prayed for the ground to open up under him and save him from his misery, but apparently life was playing another cruel game with him that day.

“Yo, Sawamura.”

Eijun slowly raised his head and he almost screamed a little upon finding Miyuki Kazuya of all people standing right next to him, smirking just like usual while he put down something on his desk that looked suspiciously like a piece of chocolate cake.

“Kuramochi said that you’ve got a sweet tooth.”

“He lied…”

“So you don’t want it?” Miyuki asked as he pulled a chair from a nearby desk and sat down in front of Eijun, who began cursing his luck.

“I didn’t say that…”

At that Miyuki smirked like he was waiting exactly for that reaction. Eijun’s mood was still almost tragic and even the cake’s yummy taste couldn’t improve that.

And then there was Miyuki, who was acting like their previous conversation hadn’t even happen.

“You’re not gonna share it with your generous senpai?”

Eijun only pulled his cake closer to him as an answer which made Miyuki chuckle, and despite Eijun’s wretched mood he realized that he was smiling, too. He decided to find a manageable subject before Miyuki would’ve brought up what he had said to him…

“So I’ll play from the fifth inning in the next match?”

“Well, it depends… but yeah, that’s the plan.”

“And…” God, Eijun knew that he was about to make a huge mistake but he had to know… “And you? Do you want me to play, or…” Or not?

Eijun watched as Miyuki’s expression changed from pleased to surprised in an instant before his infamous smirk took over it.

“Oho, the ever energetic and selfish pitcher is dealing with self-doubt?”

“I AM NOT!” Eijun shouted as he glared intently at the older boy. Of course he would make fun of him whenever he saw an opportunity… But today Eijun had the upper hand. “You’re still obliged to do as I say, and I want you to answer it!”

“No.”

“WHAT?!”

“Just kidding.” Miyuki chuckled while he put up is hands in defense. “It’s always challenging whenever you’re up to pitch so of course I want you to play.”

“I don’t know whether you’re insulting or complimenting me…”

“A little bit of both, but still. You got your answer.” Miyuki said and reached out for a bit of Eijun’s cake, stealing it before Eijun would’ve had any chance to defend it. “What’s up with you anyway?”

“Nothing.” Eijun answered maybe a bit too fast, because judging by Miyuki’s smirk he might’ve failed to convince him about that. Eijun averted his gaze again and took another bite from the cake. “I just want to pitch in the match.”

“Of course… you pitchers are quite a handful to deal with.”

“I said no snarky comments!!”

“Yeah, yeah… Were you always that lucky in shogi?”

“I’ve been forced to play that game by my grandpa ever since I was old enough to understand the rules…” Eijun said with a small smile at the sudden memories; he didn’t particularly liked the games and the laughs that he got after every single lost match, but all in all it was fun, and he kind of missed those times. Well, not like these ones weren’t amazing enough.

As the lunch break was coming to an end to replace it with their next class, more and more classmates of Eijun began to enter their classroom. Miyuki looked around and for a weird moment Eijun felt like he was part of their class, too.

“See you in the afternoon then.” Miyuki got up but he only took one step towards the door when Eijun called out after him.

“Thank you for the cake, Miyuki-senpai!”

Miyuki turned around and when Eijun noticed that he was smiling as contently as if he just outsmarted a clever batter he already regretted thanking him for that stupid cake.

“It was only a one time offer so don’t get used to it.”

“How stingy…”

“How demanding.”

“How annoying!” Eijun retorted, getting on his feet and glaring at Miyuki whose lips began twitching a little at that.

“How loud.”

“How… how…” Eijun stammered and quickly looked around, hoping that he would find something that would give him a wonderful idea as how to call Miyuki, but he completely failed with that. Miyuki snickered and took a step forward, tilting his head as smugly as ever.

“You’re lucky that at least one of us can use their head.”

“Another snarky comment!!!” Eijun was so fed up with the way Miyuki was treating him that he decided to use his newly received power to the greater good; to cause Miyuki trouble and to have some fun for himself. He tried not to smile and instead keep on his scowling expression even though Miyuki surely noticed that he wasn’t angry anymore. “I demand you to say something nice about me!”

“What’s with your impossible demands… Fine, let’s see… You have a surprisingly huge amount of luck when you play shogi.”

“That’s the worst compliment I’ve ever heard, Miyuki Kazuya!”

“What do you want now?” Miyuki chuckled and much to Eijun’s surprise he looked genuinely happy. “I’ll have to compliment you even when we’re not playing baseball?”

Aaah, Eijun really had to say it… He felt his cheeks getting warmer but he braced himself and decided to act bravely for once, even though he would absolutely, definitely, totally, utterly regret it.

“What… what do you like about me?” He asked much quieter than before, hoping that no one else would hear him. Miyuki’s lips quirked up to form an annoyingly confident smile.

“What makes you think that I like anything about you?”

“You don’t?”

Miyuki sighed and with one swift movement he crossed the distance between them and kissed Eijun so gently that for a second Eijun thought that maybe he was kissing someone else. Eijun could still taste the chocolate cake on his lips that he stole from Eijun and he wouldn’t have minded if it would’ve lasted a bit longer.

Unfortunately class was about to start and besides, they weren’t alone at all, which confused Eijun to hell again; did he really only kiss him because they were fake dating for a few more days? And what was that weird feeling around his stomach…

Miyuki was already smirking by the time he leaned back.

“You’re a fast learner and look at you, now you’re almost a decent kisser when a few days ago you were as good as the wall behind you.”

Eijun pushed him hard on his chest and with that Miyuki walked out of his class, his laughter easily heard even from the corridor. Eijun wasn’t totally sure whether he felt actually love or just simply hate towards him but now he would’ve definitely voted for the latter.

Chapter Text

It was supposed to be a sunny afternoon, a simple Wednesday that held no surprises. However, as Kazuya was heading towards the bullpen he came to the conclusion that he had possibly never had a day as weird as that one before, and it was all thanks to one person, whose shouts were clearly heard even from that distance.

He got so immersed in his thoughts about how he should avoid that brat that he almost bumped into Kuramochi’s back.

“Having a hard day, huh?” Kuramochi asked with a know-it-all smile that immediately annoyed Kazuya. So his suffering wouldn’t end here…

“Just the usual.”

“Who would’ve thought that he would wrap you around his finger that easily…”

“It was only a bet.” Kazuya shrugged and continued his way towards the bullpen, but unfortunately for him Kuramochi followed him.

“Kyahahaa, look at you, you’re even lying to yourself now.”

Kazuya needed a distraction, anything that would make Kuramochi flee from him… Those shouts were heard much closer now and Kazuya decided to add some to them.

“HEY, SAWAMURA!”

“MIYUKI-SENPAI?” The said boy shouted back even louder than before. His voice was actually really impressive, Kazuya thought and was relieved when he finally spotted him, standing by the entrance of the bullpen and waving at them a little.

“Come here for a sec!”

“What exactly are you doing, Miyuki?” Kuramochi asked suspiciously. Kazuya simply shrugged again and waited patiently for the younger boy to catch up to them, then Kazuya put his arm around his shoulder and smirked at Kuramochi.

“Haven’t you told Kuramochi about our little bet, Sawamura?”

“Umm, I did?” The poor boy’s answer sounded more like a question but since he was only a distraction now Kazuya didn’t bother giving him an explanation.

“Then why are all those questions, Kuramochi? Are you really that bored?”

Kuramochi’s suspicious glance would’ve been enough reason for Kazuya to leave but now he felt like he had the upper hand and he would’ve very much liked to stretch that rare moment. Fortunately Sawamura stayed quiet and Kazuya brought him closer a bit to make sure that it wouldn’t change.

“I see.” Kuramochi said and nodded to himself. “I see, so that’s how it is… I’ve been wondering what kind of messed up reason you would have but this… Really now…” Then without giving a chance for Kazuya to ask anything he turned around. “Sawamura, don’t even bother coming back to our room tonight.”

“WHAT?!” Sawamura shouted after he finally managed to find his voice. He even tried to free himself from Kazuya’s hold but Kazuya wasn’t having any of it. Kuramochi left them without any explanation, and no matter how hard Kazuya tried to make sense of that conversation he just couldn’t. Instead he let go of Sawamura who had been wriggling himself for the last couple seconds to break free of his grip.

“WHAT DID YOU JUST DO?!”

“Uhh, I really don’t know.” Kazuya chuckled because it had been such a long time ago when he felt himself at a loss like that. “Maybe I stepped over a line?”

“You really have the worst personality that I’ve ever seen…”

“Hey, thanks.”

“I WASN’T COMPLIMENTING YOU, YOU… you… you…”

Kazuya was now grinning again and he stepped a bit closer to Sawamura.

“Be careful, you might not want to hurt that little brain of yours~.”

“THAT’S IT!” Sawamura turned around and stormed back to the bullpen. “You’re lucky you have you have your looks and skill, because there’s no way anyone would be around you without those!”

“Hmm, looks, you say?” Kazuya smirked and followed him. “Would you be a bit more specific?”

“AAAARGH, I’LL NEVER TALK TO YOU AGAIN!”

“Aww, you’re breaking my heart here~.”

Sawamura was so clearly fuming about their whole conversation that Kazuya was almost impressed by it. Still, he needed to relax to be able to pitch normally – and not to throw wild pitches all over the place, making Kazuya’s job infinitely more difficult than it already was –, so before he would’ve begun his wind up Kazuya stood up and walked up to him.

He knew exactly what he had to tell him.

“Do you still want to play in our next match?”

“Of course I do!!”

“You know that you’ll have to do your best both here and there, too, right?”

It seemed that Kazuya managed to confuse him, but it was still better than letting him pitch in his riled up condition. He needed to be focused when it mattered, and even though he wasn’t the ace Kazuya still wanted to see him happy.

Happy?

“Well I can’t do that if you’re only standing here talking nonsense!” Sawamura snapped back but Kazuya was already back on his way to his catching spot. Happy… Why the hell would he want to make him happy instead of just bringing out the best of him…

He crouched down and signed for Sawamura to throw anywhere he wanted, but to stay in the strike zone. Happy… why happy…

The first pitch was far from perfect, and it would’ve been nothing against the cleanup batter of their next opponent. When he throw back the ball he suddenly remembered what Sawamura asked him before and he couldn’t help but smile a little.

“Relax! You’re in pretty sharp form today.”

Sawamura almost failed to catch the ball but then his lips fell open and Kazuya could clearly see his pleased expression even from that distance. That idiot…

It really started out as a simple compliment after every pitch. Pretty much the same as usual as he would do in a match when he would get in a difficult spot. However, he couldn’t just let that perfect opportunity to go to waste when he could have such a fun time if he wanted…

“What a splendid pitch!”

“Spectacular form!”

“You’re killing the batter with your legs!”

“That’s the smile I wanted to see!”

“Breathtaking!”

“You caught my heart with this one!”

The last one actually earned a little blush on Sawamura’s cheeks additionally to his clearly obvious confusion. Kazuya threw back the ball to him and crouched down, signing for a fastball to the incourse for a right-handed batter and thinking up a new way to ‘compliment’ him. If Chris-senpai would hear him Kazuya would surely feel himself becoming smaller in the older boy’s eyes…

However, it wasn’t Chris-senpai who had the misfortune to witness their little moment; it was much, much worse than that…

“You’re giving me goosebumps just with your looks!”

“Boys.”

Kazuya shivered at the sudden low tone that meant only danger in this situation. He silently cursed himself for forgetting that the coach actually told him that he would attend their pitching practice and despite the fact that he just made a complete fool out of himself – even more so than usual – he chuckled a little.

Sawamura wasn’t far as composed as he was, though. The poor boy had been already blushing but now he resembled more to a tomato than ever before, much to Kazuya’s amazement.

“I don’t care what you do before or after practice, but now you both need to focus.”

“We’re sorry, co—“

“YES BOSS!” Sawamura interrupted him after he managed to get a hold of himself. “I WILL PITCH MY ABSOLUTE BEST IN THE MATCH!”

“I need you to pitch it now.”

“OF COURSE! THAT GOES WITHOUT SAYING!”

He looked so twitchy that Kazuya was sure he wouldn’t be able to pitch like usual. But still, the coach was actually watching them now and he would’ve been a terrible catcher if he wouldn’t have been able to help him, whether he was the ace or not. Besides, his smile after a peculiar pitch was always something worth working for…

And there it was again. Kazuya shook his head to discard that weird thought about making Sawamura happy. Now he just needed to make him successful, letting his talent blossom in the best way possible.

He threw the ball back to him lazily and watched as he took in a few deep breaths.

“Sawamura!” He called out as he crouched back down and hit his own mitt. “What would you pitch if there would be a runner on first and third base?”

“Who’s the batter?” He asked back immediately and Kazuya mentally gave a compliment to Chris-senpai for pouring some sense into the boy’s usually empty head. He was actually getting better and better day by day…

Kazuya was grinning now which made Sawamura smile a little, too.

“Hmm, the younger Kominato.”

“THAT IS NOT FAIR!!! Harucchi would make a homerun from every pitch!”

Well, he actually got a point with that one… But only because Kominato had been practicing with Sawamura a lot lately, and he was now pretty much used to his weird pitches. Wait a minute… He just needed someone who had a passable batting score and who hadn’t spent much time in the batter’s box whenever Sawamura was pitching…

He hit his mitt again before he stretched his arms wide at his sides.

“Okay then… Same situation; and the batter is me.”

--

“You are, without a doubt, the biggest idiot I have ever seen.”

“It’s my best pitch okay!” Eijun snapped back without looking up from his notes. “Not like I ever thought about playing against you…”

It was just a usual Wednesday evening; Eijun could felt his sore muscles as he stretched his arms over his head, and even though he really tried to solve some equations for his Maths homework he just couldn’t succeed with any of them. Maybe he would have to ask for Kanemaru’s help again… He could probably ask Miyuki, too, but the older boy would probably just make fun of him.

Oh, right. He had something else to ask from him, too.

“Hey! Where’s my well-deserved massage?!”

“Well-deserved?”

Eijun turned to glare at Miyuki, who was currently sprawled out on his bed, reading the notes that Nabe had made for their match. When did he even study…

“I would’ve definitely strike you out!”

“No, you really wouldn’t.” Miyuki chuckled and sat up with a sigh. “Will you leave me alone after this?”

“You still have to do everything I ask until midnight.”

“Well… I think I did an exceptional job with that so far.”

He didn’t even do anything besides embarrassing Eijun… This just wasn’t fair, not when finally he had more power over Miyuki than the older boy usually had over him. He got up from the desk and lied down on the bed, folding his arms under his chin and turning his head to avoid facing Miyuki, who slowly changed his position to sit on Eijun’s waist.

“Is it okay that I sleep here again?” Eijun asked once he felt Miyuki’s palms over his shoulders, gently rubbing circles over his muscles. It actually felt kind of nice, and not only because of the sweet and caring movements but because it was Miyuki carrying those out.

“You can sleep outside, too. Or share a bed with someone else.”

“I’d rather have that uncomfortable bed then.”

“I won’t give you my pillow this time.”

Eijun wanted to argue with him about that but he felt so, so tired… He closed his eyes and enjoyed the careful way Miyuki massaged his back. He could so easily fall asleep there…

“I think the coach was a bit impressed, though.”

“Mmh?” Eijun hummed and forced himself to stay awake. It seemed like a topic that he wouldn’t want to miss…

“Any other pitcher would’ve thrown a tricky pitch in your place. I was sure that you would pitch something to incourse, or even a change-up would’ve been surprising for the batter…”

“Mmh.”

“And then you actually threw a fastball right down the middle…”

“You said that it was my best pitch!”

“I said that ages ago. You’ve changed a lot since then.”

His hands felt so nice, and his voice was so calming… And was that really a compliment?

“You think I’ve become better?” Eijun mumbled barely audibly.

The lazy movements of Kazuya’s hands stilled for a second while he was busy snickering.

“You’ve become an even bigger idiot.”

“Hey…”

“But a much more skillful pitcher, too… Although it wasn’t that difficult, seeing the way you were once you began your first year…”

“Hey!”

“Pitching fastballs for life? Hahahaa, where did you even get that ridiculous confidence of yours…”

At this point Eijun was completely awake now, and the only reason he didn’t move away from Miyuki was that he was still massaging him.

“Say what you want, I did strike that scary monster out!”

“Oho? You did?” Miyuki pushed his hand a bit stronger forward, which didn’t felt painful in the slightest but it was still a noticeable difference. Eijun huffed as he remembered what exactly happened on that day.

“We did…” He corrected himself and Miyuki’s massaging technique immediately turned back to its former gentleness.

“Well, mostly I did, but yeah… You’re still way too scrawny to go up against batters like Azuma-senpai.”

“But… but if you’re there then we could manage to strike him out, couldn’t we?”

“See? You really are a fast learner.” He clapped his hands and moved to get off of Eijun. “But I’m glad that it’s not you who’s calling the pitches, though.”

“You really can’t stop with your snarky retorts…” Eijun growled as he slowly got up. He stretched his arms high above his head and his muscles felt surprisingly less tense than before. Maybe he should ask for a massage before every match…

“Don’t even think about it.” Miyuki said, being the annoying mind-reader he was… Still, it was nice, and there was nothing else that Eijun could’ve wished for. He felt so happy that he turned back to him with a smile.

“You know, you’re not as bad of a person as you make yourself seem, Miyuki-senpai.”

Miyuki grimaced but he kept his gaze focused on his notes instead of looking up at Eijun.

“It’s amazing how much of an idiot you actually are…”

“I mean it!” Eijun crouched down next to his bed. He didn’t quite know what had gotten to him but he really wanted him to understand what he meant by that. “You can be terrible most of the time but deep inside you’re actually a good person!”

“Wow. You just changed my whole life with that.”

“You’re doing this because you’re the captain? Or were you always like that?”

Miyuki shut his notebook closed and glared up at Eijun who almost fell back from his crouching position.

“Invading someone else’s personal life isn’t always a good thing, Sawamura.”

“But I would like to hear it.”

Miyuki turned to lie on his back with a sigh and clasped his hands over his stomach. Somehow, for a moment he looked even younger than he was, and Eijun wondered what kind of life he had before coming to Seidou. Probably a difficult one, judging by his unbearable personality…

“There’s nothing to tell. The only thing that matters is the future.”

Eijun didn’t expect a normal answer, but since Miyuki still hadn’t pushed him away he decided to stay right there, by his side next to his bed, hoping that he would somehow get him to open up to him.

“And the present?”

“It’s just a stepping stone.”

“Do you really think that?”

Finally Miyuki turned his head to look at Eijun who was having a hard time believing that this warm conversation with Miyuki of all people was actually happening to him. He sat down and crossed his arms over the side of the bed to rest his head on them.

“Sometimes when we’re playing a match I get that feeling that nothing else matters besides that single moment.” He said quietly, remembering back to all those times when he couldn’t even see anything else besides Miyuki and his mitt. He just thought that maybe Miyuki would think and feel the same… “Like I don’t even think about the future. It’s just that split second before a pitch.”

“Probably that’s why you can focus in the most difficult situations so well then.”

“But you’ve never felt like that?”

Miyuki sighed and turned his head away once again, staring up at the bottom of the bunk bed.

“It’s my job to always think about the future, the outcomes of every play and what we should do.”

“Sounds tiring.”

“For someone like you it certainly does.” Miyuki chuckled lightly, which was the only reason why Eijun didn’t get mad at him.

“And you’ve never lived only for the present?”

“There wasn’t much to live for.”

“That’s…” Heartbreaking to hear? Makes me feel like I want to give you a hug?? “Sad.”

“Don’t you have homework to do?”

There it was, the push that Eijun knew so well now. He just couldn’t make Miyuki talk about himself, not even when they were completely alone. Maybe all Miyuki needed was exactly that, to not to be left alone. And Eijun was sure that he would do absolutely anything to always stand by his side, even though their fake relationship would end three days later. He wouldn’t leave him alone, not even if he would try to push him away.

“Since you’re still obliged to do as I say, Miyuki Kazuya, I want you to do my Maths homework.”

“Hahahaa, there’s no way I would do that for you.”

“Oh come on! At least help me a bit!”

“I mean, there’s no way I would do that for you because I probably wouldn’t be able to do that either. Maths is just not my strongest point.”

“Oh.”

So they were both idiots, huh…

Chapter Text

Kazuya woke up to something heavy hitting the floor, which didn’t come as much of a surprise to him at this point. Sawamura might have been pretty skillful at times when he was standing on the mound, ready to pitch against any kind of batter, but before morning he was ridiculously clumsy.

“What’s the time?” Kazuya asked quietly.

Sawamura rearranged something around his desk before he answered.

“Uhh, early?”

Kazuya was sure that he was actually going to murder him at some point… He turned to lie on his stomach and raised his head to check the lack of sunlight which was barely enough for him to be able to make out the outlines of the objects in his room. They had morning practice before school but still, it was way too early to be up.

“Care to give an explanation?”

If he would say that he was about to go running—

“I just wanted to run a little before practice.”

Kazuya growled in frustration into his pillow. That’s it. He was really going to kill him.

“How does Kuramochi even have that much energy to deal with you…”

“His threats can be kind of scary sometimes…” Sawamura mumbled as he put on his shoes. “But I like running at this time, the sunrise is always amazing to watch.”

Oh god… He was a lost case. A complete idiot. Kazuya growled one more time before he sat up and rubbed his eyes a couple times.

“I would’ve never thought that you would be that romantic.”

“I AM NOT!” Sawamura half-shouted. “It’s just… nice. You wouldn’t understand.”

“And why is that?” Finally after a couple seconds of blindly searching for his glasses he managed to find them and now he could clearly see Sawamura’s scowl. What a magnificent sight to wake up to…

“Because you’re… well, you.”

“And?”

Sawamura raised his hands as if to show that his answer should’ve been obvious; but for Kazuya it wasn’t, not when he was still half-asleep.

“And?! You said it yourself that you only care about the future.”

Kazuya yawned and tried to roll his eyes at the same time but he somehow failed with that. Not even a day had passed and he already regretted telling him about that… He was sure he would hate himself all day for what he was about to do but somehow he didn’t want to fall back to sleep now. He got up and shuffled to change.

“Two minutes and I’ll be there.”

“Where?” Sawamura asked back as he already had pushed down the door’s handle.

“Outside. Where else…”

“B-but… we still have an hour before practice.” Sawamura stated the obvious like he usually did. What an annoying habit, forcing Kazuya to react at everything…

“A little running would never hurt, right? And it would be fun to see the others’ faces.” Since Kazuya had never once gotten up in time in the morning they would surely be quite taken aback. Maybe he could earn some respect with that…

Hah. Who was he kidding?

“Seriously?” Sawamura gaped, unable to take a step outside.

“You already ruined my morning.” Kazuya shrugged and smiled when he finally found a clean jersey. “You should be thinking about how to make up for it.”

“Uhhh, yeah, right… I mean no.” And with that Sawamura stepped outside, leaving no chance for Kazuya to get over his genuine surprise about how reckless that brat was acting with him. Where even was his well-deserved respect…

“Aah, maybe I’ve become too soft with them…” He wondered aloud but even as he said that he had to admit that it wasn’t quite true. In fact, he spent even less time with the team – besides the practices of course – and he was actually a bit cruel with Kuramochi sometimes. There was only one person with whom he might’ve changed his behavior, and upon realizing that he froze for a second.

He wasn’t… No. That couldn’t be.

He shrugged again as if to brush that ridiculous thought off and once he changed into his jersey he locked his room and headed towards the second field where Sawamura usually did his running – either alone or accompanied by Furuya.

The sun was still nowhere to be found which made Kazuya shiver a little, but at least it wasn’t completely dark either. He really should’ve slept a little more instead… Then he spotted Sawamura’s figure running in circles around the field and stopped to stretch a little, keeping his eyes on the younger boy as he did so.

It was already Thursday and their weird fake relationship would come to an end on Saturday, just the day before their practice match. He wondered whether their closure would affect Sawamura in some way, and whether it would be Kazuya’s fault or not. Maybe he should extend the deadline by a day…

He caught up easily with him and they both fell into an easy speed that was actually more refreshing than tiring.

“I still have no idea why Kuramochi-senpai didn’t let me get back to my room.” Sawamura said after a few silent seconds.

“Well, maybe you were even more annoying than usual…”

“HE WAS TALKING TO YOU BEFORE HE SAID THAT!”

“Ssh, it’s still like… What’s the time again?”

“How should I know? And don’t change the subject!!”

Kazuya chuckled and he kept his gaze focused on where he was going instead of glancing at his right.

“Probably he just wanted some alone time.” Kazuya suggested because there was no way he would’ve admitted his responsibility in that.

“I want my bed back!”

“And I want my quiet room back…”

Sawamura snorted and much to Kazuya’s amazement he almost stumbled over his own foot.

“Only you would be so privileged that they would let you live without any roommate…”

“Hahahaa, but now it kind of feels like I already got one.” Kazuya said because no matter how he looked at it that was the truth. Since they started that whole fake relationship thing Sawamura had been spending a remarkable time in his room, and he even slept there a few times now. All that just to prove some point to someone else…

It seemed that Sawamura was thinking through the same thing just like he did, because he said almost exactly what Kazuya had thought.

“You were right. These two weeks were actually fun, and you even got a roommate that you clearly wouldn’t deserve.”

“Hey, show some respect, I’m still your upperclassman.” Kazuya laughed. Sometimes he just couldn’t believe how his teammates were treating him despite all his well-intentions… “And your captain, too, since we’re already on a baseball field.”

“I finally got to know you, Miyuki Kazuya, and there’s nothing that you could do now that would scare me.”

That little…

Kazuya was grinning as he bumped their shoulders; unfortunately Sawamura was just about to stumble once again, and as he was losing his balance he tried to reach out for Kazuya, which resulted with him falling back and dragging Kazuya with him.

Kazuya just couldn’t believe it… He ended up landing on Sawamura and he immediately lifted his head back to check whether he was hurt or not.

“Your shoulder!” He exclaimed in panic before Sawamura actually laughed aloud.

“It’s fine, it didn’t hurt.” He managed to say between two fits of laughter. Kazuya’s hands were actually shaking just from the thought that something so stupid could’ve caused such a terrifying damage, and he was sure that he wouldn’t have been able to live knowing that he would’ve been responsible for that. He was so relieved he buried his face in Sawamura’s chest who was somehow still laughing. He’ll never let him do anything alone…

“Hey.” Sawamura said and he stopped laughing so quickly that Kazuya raised his head in confusion. “The sun is up.”

Kazuya was still watching the younger boy, the way the first sunrises got reflected in his eyes, the way his freckles were even more visible than usual, and he got so scared upon the realization that he would’ve done absolutely anything to protect him that he didn’t hear the approaching footsteps, only the grunt which followed them.

“If you two are seriously desecrating the baseball field then I will have to teach a lesson to the both of you.” Kuramochi cracked his knuckles and Kazuya finally turned his gaze away from Sawamura, only to see Kuramochi and his dark aura plus the blinding morning sun behind him.

--

“Are you all right, Eijun-kun?” Haruichi asked but Eijun just couldn’t bring himself to raise his head from his desk. That morning drained out all his energy, because not just the practice was ruthless, but Kuramochi’s constant teasing was much more difficult to avoid than in the past two weeks. And whenever he glanced around to find the only person who would be able to save him he was just nowhere to be found.

He couldn’t be avoiding him… right?

“What did I do to deserve this, Harucchi?” He mumbled quietly. The said boy sighed a little and put his hand on Eijun’s shoulder.

“I’m sure it’s gonna be fine. And hey, you’ll get to pitch in the match!”

Oh, that. The coach was actually so impressed by his pitches the other day that he allowed him to pitch from the fourth inning and not the fifth as it was planned, which surprised not just Eijun, but probably the whole team, too. Eijun was so happy that he even forgot to get mad at them for their lack of belief or trust in him.

However, when he turned around to check Miyuki’s reaction he had to find him standing there like he wasn’t listening to the coach at all. Maybe Eijun went too far with his jokes about not respecting him enough? But it was Miyuki Kazuya, for god’s sake, he would surely didn’t care about that…

And besides, Eijun had enough problems to deal with. It wasn’t just the upcoming match that gave him a reason to stress about, but their fake relationship would come to an end on Saturday, which meant that he only had three days to do something groundbreaking, including this one.

But how the hell should he even begin convincing Miyuki about going out with him for real this time…

“Harucchi, can I ask you for an advice?” He finally lifted his head and lowered his voice a bit as his friend leaned closer to him. “It’s… about that shoujo manga again.”

“Of course.”

“I just… I mean, do you remember what I told you about it?”

Haruichi didn’t need much time to think that through.

“A girl who is in love with a boy, but she’s too shy to ask him out, even though everyone thinks that they’re already going out.”

“YES!! I mean, yes.” He decided to whisper upon seeing the questioning gazes he got from his classmates. “What do you think she should do?”

“She still didn’t confess?”

“No. She didn’t.” Eijun’s mood suddenly dropped as he remembered the night when he gathered his courage to go and confess to Miyuki only to hear that weird conversation between him and Kuramochi, which didn’t make much sense to him but it caused a stabbing kind of pain in his chest. He shook his head to get back to the present. “She wanted to, but she didn’t.”

“Hmm. I’m guessing… she’s too impatient to wait for how things would turn out on their own?”

“Oh yeah. She is.” Eijun had been counting the remained days almost manically now, and he was more frustrated and stressed out about its last day than about their practice match, in which he would actually get to play. He really had to do something.

“But she’s afraid of losing him if he would somehow reject her.”

This time Eijun only nodded.

“Tough question…” Haruichi wondered aloud. “If I were y—her, I would give him some hints, I think.”

“Hints?”

“You know… Little things that would make him think about his feelings for her.”

“Like what?” Eijun had probably never paid as much attention in any class of his before as he was now. He was just about to find out the solution for this whole mess!

Haruichi’s cheeks were slightly pink as he answered.

“Umm… I would make him talk more about himself…”

Eijun nodded. He already did something like that last night, and now that Haruichi even recommended that he felt kind of proud of himself.

“Spend more time with him…”

Nodding again. Eijun even became sort of his roommate now, after all; the only way he would’ve been able to be around him more was if he would get to be his classmate somehow, too.

“Make him smile…”

Nodding. Miyuki was smiling and laughing so much lately that even Eijun noticed the change – even if he was just usually laughing at the younger boy.

“And umm… well, my other thoughts are kind of drastic—“

“I want to hear them!” Eijun interrupted him and leaned even closer. He hadn’t come to know any new thing about how to win Miyuki’s heart; he was already doing all of them for almost two weeks now, but with no effect whatsoever. He needed to do something… drastic.

“I don’t think that those would be good, Eijun-kun…”

“Please, Harucchi! You’re my best friend!”

The said boy’s cheeks turned to pick up a darker shade of pink and he sighed a little.

“Fine but… You… She doesn’t have to do that. I’m sure she would be able to make him fall in love with her without those…”

“Harucchi!!!”

“Okay, okay… The first idea is to make him jealous. It worked in many movies and books, but I would not recommend it. It could turn out pretty badly, and yo—she would hurt two person’s feelings with that.”

Eijun bit the inside of his cheek as he decided to give more time to that thought later. It sounded pretty effective and just the kind of drastic thing that he was looking for, but if Miyuki would take no actions… He couldn’t risk that.

“And what’s the other?”

“That’s… cruel, too. I think. It’s just… instead of making him jealous she simply avoids him for a while, making him realize what his life would be without her.”

That… that sounded actually pretty cool, Eijun thought. The only problem with that was that he only had three more days… Well, that, and that he enjoyed their new closeness so much that he didn’t want to begin avoiding him now, even if Miyuki seemed like he had been doing exactly that in the morning.

“What are your other ideas?” He asked instead.

“Confess to him. But I already said that.”

Their teacher finally entered the classroom so Haruichi walked back to his desk, leaving Eijun alone with his troubling thoughts. Making Miyuki jealous would’ve required one more person, and besides, they made sure that everyone thought they were already dating, so it wouldn’t make much sense… Which left only one option for Eijun, and by the end of the class he decided to give it a try and see how it would turn out.

While he was walking towards his room he spotted Miyuki talking to possibly a classmate of his, so he headed towards their direction and braced himself.

Miyuki only glanced at him once he almost passed by them and when their eyes met Sawamura instantly turned his head away and quickened his pace, leaving the both of them alone. He wasn’t brave enough to spare a glance back but he felt kind of guilty, and his chest felt tighter than usual. Aah, it was a bad idea after all…

He crouched down by the closest wall and hid his face behind his arms. What the hell was he supposed to do… He wasn’t good enough to make Miyuki fall in love with him, since the older boy most likely didn’t feel anything about him. He didn’t even follow him after he—

“Hey, Sawamura.”

He glanced up and his jaw basically dropped upon finding the cause of all his problems standing right in front of him, his arms crossed over his chest, his trademark smirk overruling any other expression, and a simple white baseball cap resting sideways on his head.

“Wanna have something to eat?” He asked so casually as if he just asked what the time was. Eijun just couldn’t take his eyes off him. He nodded and grabbed Miyuki’s hand to help him up, and when neither of them released their hold as they walked towards the cafeteria he came to the conclusion that he would never be able to avoid him.

Chapter Text

Finally, after so many struggles it seemed that whatever had been bothering Sawamura all this time, he was now back to his usual loud and ever energetic self, shouting at Miyuki every so often and laughing obnoxiously occasionally between his shouts. It was far from being bearable, Haruichi thought, but it still made him happy.

His friend’s questions about ‘that shoujo manga’ were more than just suspicious; he was now absolutely sure that it had to do something with his relationship with Miyuki, but he didn’t quite understand that. Why was he asking for advice about how to make him fall in love with him when they were already dating?

He yawned as he watched the two of them bickering about something probably ridiculous in the bullpen’s entrance. It was way too early for Haruichi to even being able to keep his eyes open for more than five seconds, and it seemed like a wonder that Miyuki didn’t seem to be as tired as him like he usually did.

“Finally…”

He snapped his head and was surprised that Kuramochi managed to approach him without him noticing. Maybe he had actually fallen asleep while he was standing next to the first base?

“Kuramochi-senpai?”

The said boy shook his head as he watched his roommate now grabbing the collar of Miyuki’s shirt.

“They really do deserve each other for being so stupid.”

Haruichi frowned and returned his attention to the bullpen’s direction. The morning practice was just about to start but those two were already running by the time he arrived – the same way as the day before. He wondered whether they would actually do that every day from now on but then he spotted a familiar figure walking towards them.

“O-oo.” Kuramochi seemed to be even more surprised than he was.

“What is it, Kuramochi-senpai?”

When Sawamura and Miyuki both turned to look at the newcomer’s direction Sawamura instantly let go of Miyuki’s hold and rushed out to greet him, as loudly and cheerfully as ever, which reminded Haruichi of a puppy greeting its owner after being left alone for a couple hours.

Kuramochi rolled his eyes and turned around.

“This, this is what you call a bad timing.”

--

“Chris-senpai?” Kazuya blinked a couple times in surprise. The older boy only came to stop by during a few afternoon practices, but it was still an ungodly hour to be up. Sawamura didn’t seem to care about that as he basically wrapped his arms around Chris-senpai and Kazuya wouldn’t have been the least surprised if he would’ve wet his shirt with his tears.

The nearby members of the team quickly gathered around him and fortunately Sawamura released him before he could’ve at least realized the embarrassing way he was acting.

“I’ve heard about the upcoming match and I thought I could help the pitchers a little.” Chris-senpai said with a smile.

“CHRIS-SENPAAAI!” Sawamura wailed. “You’re even more amazing than you were the last time you stopped by!”

“It was only a few weeks ago, Sawamura.”

“None of us here would deserve your guidance!” Sawamura didn’t take his eyes off him, not even for a second. Kazuya shook his head and stepped forward.

“Actually, your timing is perfect, Chris-senpai.” He said and despite the weird feeling that made him want to drag Sawamura back he forced out a smile. “I wanted to ask you to help us anyway.”

“I’d be glad to help.”

“Chris-senpai!” Sawamura jumped up excitedly. Just like a puppy, Kazuya thought with a frown. “Does that mean that you would be here during the afternoon practice, too?”

“I would like to.”

If possible, Sawamura’s eyes widened even more at that. Then he bowed his head and toned down his usually impossibly loud voice.

“I’d be more than happy to be in your care for the day, Chris-senpai.”

“No need for the formality.” Chris-senpai said with a small smile that Kazuya only saw whenever the older boy was around with Sawamura. He took one more step forward and put his hand on Sawamura’s shoulder.

“Hahaa, what a misfortune that you would be paired up with me.” He grinned and was actually a bit surprised when Sawamura brushed his hand off and jogged over to Chris-senpai.

“I want to practice with Chris-senpai of course!” He exclaimed loudly. The said boy was watching Kazuya so intently that it took a lot of effort for Kazuya not to show any emotion, even though he didn’t have any idea how exactly he was feeling at that moment.

“Have you already forgotten that we’ll have a match in two days, you idiot?” Kazuya asked.

“I DID NOT!” Sawamura shouted back without even as much of as looking at him. “Chris-senpai is infinitely more helpful than you are anyway.”

Hey there…

“And besides,” Sawamura continued, “you’ve been constantly complaining about me, so now you got a day off. Isn’t that good?”

Good?!

Kazuya was furious. He kept glaring at Sawamura who finally was generous enough to return his gaze with almost the same intensity. Kazuya just had no idea what to say so instead he let his expression speak for himself; however, after a few seconds it was Kuramochi who broke their silent glaring contest.

“Hey, captain! Practice is about to start.”

Kazuya shook his head a little before he turned around to head towards the field. Hell if he would care whatever that brat wanted to do. It’s not like he ever enjoyed his constant pestering, and maybe he was right and he got actually lucky that he didn’t have to deal with him for the rest of the day.

Still, somehow he just kept glancing at his direction, and one time he almost even missed catching Furuya’s fastball which would’ve been quite a painful experience.

During a quick break he sat down on the bench and watched as Sawamura kept jumping around Chris-senpai, who somehow didn’t look bothered by that. It wasn’t a problem that the older boy was there, no, he was probably the best thing that could’ve ever happened to Sawamura. He was the reason why that brat was now granted to pitch from the fourth inning in their next match, and it shouldn’t have bothered Kazuya.

He was the one who was able to help Sawamura with his yips.

He was always there whenever the younger boy needed help or any kind of advice, and Kazuya was very well aware of that. In fact, he was thankful that he didn’t have to always keep an eye on him.

And yet…

“Umm, Miyuki-senpai?”

He turned his head and smiled up at the younger Kominato, who used to be a bit nervous around him but now only a twitch of his lips could tell that.

“Is everything alright?” He asked quietly. Kazuya forced out a wider smile and he kept his gaze carefully away from Sawamura’s direction.

“Why’re you asking?”

“I just…” The younger Kominato looked around hesitantly before he continued. “I noticed that there must be something bothering you, and… and Kuramochi-senpai said something.”

Oh god… Of course he did. This was just Kazuya’s luck.

“What did he say?” His voice was more strangled than he intended it to be.

“Something about bad timing? I didn’t quite understand that but Eijun-kun was asking weird questions lately and I just wanted to know—“

“What questions?”

The younger boy looked around once again while Kazuya unintentionally clenched his fists on the bench. Somehow he was more curious about what Sawamura wanted to know than about why he was acting the way he did with him in the morning.

“Umm… Something about a manga… But I just wanted you to know that if there’s anything that I could help with then—“

“Thank you, Kominato.” Kazuya cut him off and stood up. “I bet everyone has their own problems so let’s focus on the upcoming match instead, okay?”

Kazuya left him without waiting for any answer. He didn’t need any help. What did he even would’ve needed that for anyway? He just happened to be in a bad mood, that’s all. It happens to anyone. There was nothing that would’ve indicated it. Nothing at all.

“Here comes my best pitch, Chris-senpai!”

Nothing at all.

--

It was seriously the best thing that had ever happened to Eijun. A whole day with Chris-senpai’s undivided attention only for him? What on earth did he do to deserve something that miraculous…

He kept counting the seconds in school and when finally his last class ended he rushed to change in no time and headed towards the field with a goofy smile that he just couldn’t brush off. Life was indeed beautiful.

He noticed Miyuki standing by the benches but instead of walking up to him he turned his head and continued his way towards the bullpen. The way he had been acting in the morning still bothered him but now it wasn’t the time to sulk about it. Not when someone as important as Chris-senpai was waiting for him.

“SORRY FOR BEING LATE, MASTER!” He bowed once he stepped inside.

“I said no need for the formalities, Sawamura.” Chris-senpai said as gently as ever which managed to warm Eijun’s heart once again. He clearly didn’t deserve his attention…

That’s why he would do his absolute best, he decided and began stretching. After a few minutes he noticed Miyuki entering the bullpen, too, and heading to gather his catching gear, but he didn’t look at Eijun’s direction, not even once. Was he actually avoiding him?!

Chris-senpai was just as amazing as ever. His instructions were clear and helpful and full of well-intentions, unlike someone else’s… He occasionally complimented him, and not in that nasty way as someone else did… And he even helped him with his cooling off stretches, but unfortunately somehow his hands didn’t feel as gentle as that certain someone’s…

When he turned around and noticed that they were finally completely alone he turned to ask for some advice from the person he respected the most, but much to his surprise it was Chris-senpai who spoke at first.

“What’s going on between you and Miyuki?”

Uhhh… How should he even answer to that… Even he didn’t know what kind of relationship they were in now; if they even were in one, seeing the way Miyuki had been avoiding him lately.

Still, it was Chris-senpai, and there was no way that he would’ve been able to lie to him.

“Actually… We’re sort of fake-dating.” He said and quickly explained Miyuki’s idiotic idea, to which Eijun somehow agreed to. He told him that those two weeks were fun, even though it would come to an end now really soon. And then he got to the hardest part. “And, well, umm… I really, really hate him, but I kind of want to continue this…”

Chris-senpai’s smile was the kindest thing that Eijun had possibly ever seen.

“I see. That explains a lot.”

“A lot?” Eijun asked back. What even was Chris-senpai talking about…

“More than you might think.” He said but Eijun’s confusion only increased at that. “Of course, I don’t know his intentions but I will definitely be rooting for you. You might actually be able to bring out the best of him.”

“Chriis-senpaaai!” Eijun cried out and wiped his tears away with the back of his hand. He was just so, so lucky, having so many great friends and even someone as mighty as Chris-senpai… Now the only question was why he didn’t fall in love with him instead. Things would’ve been much, much more easier, he was sure of it.

“How many days do you have left from this relationship of yours?” Chris-senpai asked. Eijun’s heart sank a little because he was careful not to think about that until now.

“Tomorrow. It’ll be over tomorrow.”

“And what do you want to do?”

“Me?” Eijun asked back. He just stated what he wanted: to continue it, but leaving the ‘fake’ part of it behind. He wanted to be with Miyuki for real this time, and if even Chris-senpai wouldn’t turn to be able to help him with that then he most likely didn’t stand much chance in the beginning.

Chris-senpai nodded and reached out for his bottle to drink.

“Are you planning on confessing to him tomorrow?”

Again with that idea… Eijun sat down in front of him with a sigh and kept his gaze down.

“I was… but now I don’t know. What if he will reject me and we would be no more than simple battery partners? I don’t want that…”

“How had Miyuki been acting lately?”

Eijun snapped his head. He couldn’t quite understand what Chris-senpai’s point was with his questions but he trusted him and decided to tell him everything.

“Different. I mean not that much; he’s still the same nasty and cruel person but… But he’s opening up to me lately and he’s smiling much more whenever I’m there.” Eijun was smiling, too, remembering all those times when Miyuki was actually kind with him; even if he could’ve counted them all in one hand. “I got scared when he pushed me away after… umm, after something had happened, and he still doesn’t want to talk about it. Which is fine, it’s just… I don’t want to see him like that.”

“I don’t think that a confession would be a bad idea, Sawamura.” Chris-senpai said after a few seconds. Eijun had almost forgotten that he was there… “Or you can just ask him to extend the deadline and see how he reacts.”

But if he would just laugh and say no…

“I’ll ask him in the morning.” He couldn’t just do that now; he still needed to gather more strength for that simple task. If he would get rejected than he would have to find out quickly how to act around him, and even how to form a battery with him in the match.

He just had to wait one more night to see what would happen.

--

They were ridiculous. The both of them.

Kuramochi would’ve loved to try some cool wrestling moves on Sawamura because of how he had been acting on that day. The most important day of all and he decided to ignore Miyuki… Kuramochi just couldn’t believe it.

And then of course, there was the other side of this whole annoying mess. Miyuki had been sulking during the whole day which was quite impressive at first, but now it was just simply irritating. They were both such idiots that Kuramochi would’ve loved to give them a push to finally, finally take a step forward and stop with that ridiculous act of theirs.

And, well, that was exactly what he was about to do.

He knocked three times on Miyuki’s door before he opened it and when he saw Miyuki lying on his bed as if he were somewhere completely else in his mind he just grunted and sat down in front of the tv. He came prepared and while he plugged in his video game controller Miyuki finally turned his head to his direction.

“What the hell are you doing in my room?”

“What the hell are you doing here?” Kuramochi grunted without looking away from the screen. “I swear you’re even more complicated to deal with than with that baby.”

“What baby?”

Oh god…

“Your baby.” Kuramochi said and his lips twitched a little. “He’s lying on his bed the same as you are now, you know.”

“And what does that have to do with me?”

No way. Kuramochi would never say it out loud, even though he was sure that that was exactly Miyuki’s intention. He wouldn’t make his job that easy since he obviously didn’t deserve it.

“I’d bet on my whole video game collection that the reason why he’s glooming in my room is you.”

He saw out of the corner of his eye that Miyuki sat up and put on his glasses.

“What are you talking about?”

“I’ve already said enough. Just please, go and do something or he won’t let me sleep.” And Kuramochi really needed his beauty sleep; he had been training like a maniac for the next match and today was the only day when he could’ve gotten some rest.

“What makes you think that I would be able to help?” Miyuki asked even though he was already putting on his shoes. So now he was just torturing Kuramochi, huh… He wondered what the hell that moron saw in him. If it was only his looks then he was an even bigger idiot than Kuramochi already thought he was.

They really did deserve each other.

“You’ll just have to find it out for yourself.” He said and sighed when Miyuki finally closed the door behind himself.

If Sawamura would ruin that chance that Kuramochi had just given to him then he would be as good as a dead man to him.

Chapter Text

It was almost funny how nervous Kazuya was. Or maybe it was only anger; he wasn’t any good at identifying his feelings anyway. He was surely irritated by the way Kuramochi had been acting with him in his room, but he was also somehow relieved that apparently Sawamura seemed to have a hard time, too, even though he couldn’t even begin imagining why.

Kuramochi said that he should talk to him… About what? He should’ve given a more accurate description about that, if he was already such a know-it-all smartass.

Kazuya came to a halt and decided to buy some drinks by the nearest vending machine. It wasn’t to gain some more time, no… Not at all. He was just acting nice. He was nice, actually, even if people didn’t always see that. There was one guy who noticed it, though…

Aah, when had his life became so complicated… He had been always focusing on baseball primarily, so that he could stash all his problems behind it. It wasn’t easy at all but somehow he managed. He wasn’t happy but when he was finally on the field, crouching behind the batter’s box, none of that mattered.

But now he was actually having fun even off the field, too, which had rarely happened to him before thanks to the high expectations, the desire to bring out the best of the whole team by giving them an example, and of course his constant and rather stressful thoughts about the future.

It was tough, but it always had been, and he was now pretty much used to it. And then there came that simple-minded idiot with his deafeningly loud voice and with his emotional instability that somehow wasn’t as bothering as he thought it would be. Kazuya wasn’t surprised that he had already became such an essential part of the team in his first-year; however, it was way more surprising that he had became an essential part of his life, too.

Which was a total shock to him, but now there was nothing that he could’ve done about it. And besides, he didn’t want to.

Once he reached his dorm room he sighed a little and knocked three times before he opened it.

“Coming in~!”

One glance was enough to notice Sawamura lying on his bed. When he heard Kazuya’s greeting he sat up so quickly that Kazuya was a little worried that he could’ve easily strain a muscle with that. Fortunately he looked more astonished than hurt.

“M-M-Miyuki-senpai?” He asked in such a hoarse voice that Kazuya was almost sure that he had been asleep before he entered. Or maybe it could’ve been from crying, but Kazuya hoped that it wasn’t the case now.

“Happy to see me, huh?”

“Like hell I am!” He shouted back. Kazuya was already snickering, giving him a can of green tea before he sat down on the opposite bed of his.

“So…” After considering whether he should tease him a little or getting straight to the point he shrugged and decided to waste no time. “Kuramochi was curious why you’re glooming and he sent me over.” Like he was a medicine, Kazuya thought and suppressed a grimace.

Sawamura scowled and threw a pillow at Kazuya who evaded it with his hand quite easily. He wasn’t a catcher for nothing.

“I don’t need your help!” Sawamura exclaimed. Aah, he really was hard to deal with.

“I wasn’t offering it though.”

“Then why are you here?!”

Kazuya cocked an eyebrow at that. Wasn’t that obvious?

“Because Kuramochi is in my room, that’s why.”

“But why?”

What’s with all those annoying questions… Kazuya shrugged and leaned back on the bed, putting the newly received pillow under his head. He didn’t even realize how tired and worn out he actually was until now; waking up at those early hours might not have been such a bright idea after all.

The silence stretched for a few more seconds and Kazuya got more and more curious. He turned his head and immediately smirked upon seeing Sawamura’s pouting expression. He really was like an open book.

“Is your shoulder okay?”

Sawamura snapped his head like he had somehow forgotten that Kazuya was there, too. Maybe he had been actually thinking about something?

“Y-yeah? Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Are you nervous because of the match?”

Sawamura’s already comical scowl deepened a little. Kazuya sort of expected that reaction of him but it really was fun to watch him, and somehow it had become harder not to look at him.

“What’s with all these questions?!”

“Hahaa, I’m just worried like a good senpai would be.”

“You’re anything but a good senpai, Miyuki Kazuya!”

“Hmm, interesting… If I recall correctly you said that I wasn’t exactly a bad person~.”

Aaand another funny reaction: Sawamura’s eyes widened a little and his lips parted before his cheeks picked up a rosy color that Kazuya was now quite used to. This time it filled him with a new emotion that he couldn’t quite name, but he was infinitely glad to see that he was the reason of his blush, and no one else.

Sawamura grabbed another pillow of his and threw it at Kazuya again.

“You are when you’re making fun of me!”

“I would never…” Kazuya grinned and sat up on the bed. He had two pillows now and he hugged them both close to his chest. “But really, what is it then?”

After seeing his over energetic and sometimes quite goofy smile for a whole day he supposed that something must’ve happened that changed it that drastically. Maybe Chris-senpai had said something? Nah, nowadays he didn’t have any bad word for Sawamura.

Then what could it be…

“It’s nothing of your concern…” Sawamura mumbled before he raised his head and glared at Kazuya. “And give me back my pillows!”

“I will if you give me a proper answer.”

Since Kuramochi was already in his room – and he even brought a game controller with him, which meant that he could’ve easily spent the night there if he wanted – and most likely he wouldn’t let Kazuya back until he would fix Sawamura’s gloomy mood, he really had no other choice.

Kazuya smirked when the younger boy sighed tiredly and this time he was the one who lay down on his bed. Or he was just simply trying to avert his gaze, huh.

Which meant that there really was something bothering him.

“It’s nothing.”

Yeah, right…

“I’m waiting.” Kazuya said but he only got a frustrated growl as an answer. Even so, he really had to do something to gain his room back from the devil himself.

Kazuya got up and crossed the room’s small distance between them. Sawamura was still doing his best not to look up at him which made the older boy a bit suspicious; maybe he really played a part in his problem? Kuramochi was usually right so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to him but still… Kazuya couldn’t help but think through what he did in the past few days to try to find something unusual.

However, the only unusual thing that happened was in that morning, when Chris-senpai showed up. He had to find out which of them was responsible for Sawamura’s dark aura first.

“You’re not telling me because it’s about me?” He asked to get straight to the point. Standing by his bed he could easily see the flickering in Sawamura’s eyes which proved him right. But he didn’t even do anything… He wasn’t even around him the whole day, since it was Sawamura who decided that he would’ve rather practice with Chris-senpai. And it wasn’t like Kazuya was angry about that, but he felt a little… disappointed.

He dropped down a pillow on the younger boy’s chest and sat down by his bed, leaning his back against it. If Sawamura didn’t want to look into his eyes then this position would be perfect to get him to talk.

“Is it something that I can help with?” He asked quietly, not sure whether it was the right question or not. Talking about emotional stuff was never his strong point.

“It’s… Not really. It’s rather about me.” Sawamura answered after a few seconds and Kazuya bit his lip as he thought that through. So… it was about them, somehow. Most likely it had something to do with their fake relationship then, since it was coming to an end on the next day.

The right question… the right question…

“But you don’t have to do this.” Sawamura interrupted his thoughts. “I’ll come up with something by myself.”

Pitchers and their high self-confidence… Maybe he just needed some time to realize that he would have to ask someone for help. Kazuya hadn’t offered his yet but he felt that he wouldn’t reject giving him a helping hand.

But the most important part…

“And how long will it take?”

“I don’t know…”

Fantastic. So Kazuya was now stuck with him until he would ‘come up with something’ since Kuramochi definitely wouldn’t let him go back to his room until Sawamura turned back to his usual less annoying self. Just fantastic.

But what if… what if he could distract him…

He brushed off his devilish grin and turned around. Sawamura was occupying his whole bed and he furrowed his brows upon seeing Kazuya’s smile.

“Move over.” Kazuya said. Before Sawamura had any chance to object or at least complain Kazuya already pushed him towards the wall and he lied down next to him, folding his arms under his head. The beds in the dorm were way too small for two people and no matter how much space they tried to put between themselves, their legs somehow kept bumping into each other.

“What are you doing?!” Sawamura hissed.

Kazuya found it rather hard to keep on an innocent expression.

“The floor was uncomfortable.”

“There’s another bed right there!”

“Well, yeah, but it was too far.”

Sawamura mumbled something and turned to lie on his side which indeed ended their occasional touching but now he was forced to look at Kazuya, who would’ve regretted if he wouldn’t have used this perfect opportunity up to its fullest. He turned his head and he couldn’t help but grin under Sawamura’s furious glare.

The last time when he was that close to him was during their morning run yesterday, when they both fell into a quite equivocal position that he found rather hard to break out from. That was the first time when he had felt something that messed up his thoughts that much, and if he would’ve had to put a name to it then it would’ve been… longing.

And now that he was practically staring into his eyes he wondered where his newfound nervousness was coming from and why he felt the urge to cross that small distance between them so much.

--

This was just Eijun’s luck.

No, that wasn’t quite true. This was just Kuramochi’s cruelty.

After his talk with Chris-senpai Eijun found himself wondering about his confession. If there was any way that Miyuki wouldn’t make fun of him for that then he would have to find it. He got so immersed in his thoughts that he almost managed to drown himself in the baths and it was no wonder that even Kuramochi noticed that something was up with him.

But to actually send Miyuki over… That was just way too cruel.

“You won’t let me sleep, will you?” He asked even though he was sure about what Miyuki’s answer would be – and his devilish grin proved him right. This just wasn’t fair. If he couldn’t sleep neither think about what he should do on the next day then… what even was he supposed to do, with Miyuki being so close to him?

He considered turning around but he wanted to keep an eye on him, so instead he kept staring at him and hoped that Miyuki would soon get up and leave.

“How was pitching today?” Miyuki asked once his grin faded a little. Eijun noticed something changing in his eyes but he had no idea what it could’ve been.

“Amazing as always. Chris-senpai said that my breaking ball is much better than it was the last time he caught for me.”

“Hmm.”

“But I’m still not sure… if the batter actually waits for that pitch then I’m screwed.”

“Well, it’s my job to think about that.” Miyuki said. “You have nothing to be afraid of once you’re on the mound.”

“Of course I do! If the batters keep hitting my pitches—“

“Then it would be the in- and the outfielders’ job to keep them from scoring. You’re not playing baseball alone, you idiot.”

“I know! And don’t call me that.”

Miyuki snickered and turned his head to look up instead. Eijun was incredibly grateful for that change since now he was allowed to watch Miyuki however intently he wanted. Really, it just wasn’t fair how the ‘pretty boy catcher’ nickname fitted him so well.

“So Chris-senpai was satisfied with your pitches?”

Eijun furrowed his brows a bit. They spent many time talking about baseball but Miyuki was usually only interested in his pitching style once he was actually catching for him, and not lying on the same bed as him. Was he… was he trying to distract Eijun?

Even so, baseball was always a neutral subject and he was glad that it didn’t fuel his nervousness that he felt for being so close to his crush – because let’s face it; not even a whole day later he would be confessing to him.

But first he had to survive that night.

“I got many compliments today, thank you very much. Unlike from you…” He mumbled upon remembering the cold shoulder Miyuki gave him during practice.

“I wasn’t obliged to praise you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Eijun punched Miyuki’s side lightly, causing another snickering. “Obliged?!”

“It means when you have to do something even if it contradicts your will.”

“I wasn’t asking for a definition, you jerk!” Eijun punched him again, this time trying to push him off his bed but with no effect whatsoever. Miyuki kept laughing and Eijun would’ve really wanted to get mad at him but he was actually happy to see him like that, and to know that he was the cause of it. Aaah, having a crush like him really sucked.

“So…” Miyuki began once he calmed down enough to be able to speak, “if I ask you to pitch a change-up when the bases are loaded, would you do it?”

What kind of stupid question was that…

“Of course I would. I always trust your calls.”

Miyuki turned his head to look at him and somehow he looked genuinely surprised. Eijun’s heart had already been fluttering while barely inches had separated them, but now it felt like it was about to jump out of his chest.

“Always?” Miyuki asked, almost whispered. Eijun didn’t understand what was wrong with his answer; he had never once doubted Miyuki’s abilities and his decisions, and there was no way that he would’ve started it now.

He nodded a little and repeated that simple word.

“Always.”

It seemed that was enough for Miyuki to smile and he turned his head away. Eijun realized that that was his perfect opportunity if he wanted to end his suffering; he reached out again to try and push him off. Unfortunately, before he could’ve succeeded with that, Miyuki grabbed his hand and pulled him closer instead. They both almost fell off but somehow Miyuki managed to stay on his spot, now with Eijun lying on his chest.

He tried to lean back immediately but Miyuki didn’t let him and he even put his arms over him to steady him. That was just too much, even when a day ago they were lying in that same position on the field, but with Miyuki on top.

“What are you doing?” Eijun mumbled into his chest. He didn’t dare to raise his head yet because he got way too overwhelmed by his emotions when he had found out that he was actually able to hear Miyuki’s heartbeat. He was absolutely, one hundred percent sure that he was blushing furiously and there was no way that he would’ve given another reason for Miyuki to tease him with that.

Miyuki chuckled and shifted a little to be closer to the middle of the bed.

“Try to push me away again and you will quickly come to regret it.”

“Is that a threat?!” Eijun asked.

“A demand. You trust me, don’t you?”

Eijun didn’t have to look up to know that Miyuki was smiling in that smug way that always riled up Eijun. He grunted and put his leg between Miyuki’s to find a more comfortable position. The silence between them had never been suffocating before, but now it filled Eijun’s heart with nervousness. He closed his eyes and listened to Miyuki’s even heartbeat to help calming down his own.

“I wonder when Kuramochi will come back.” Miyuki sighed. Hopefully not for a long time, Eijun thought and smiled a little. All in all it was nice; even if he wouldn’t be able to formulate a proper confession in the next day he would still have this moment, and just thinking about that would probably give him the courage that he needed.

And to think that he was living that moment right now…

“The present…” He mumbled barely audibly.

“Hmm?”

“The present. Do you still think that it’s not that important?”

“What even are you talking about…” Miyuki chuckled which Eijun could practically felt and not just hear it. It was amazing.

“You said that you only care about the future. But… don’t you think that the present is just as important?”

He already regretted asking that question by the time the last syllable left his mouth. He could’ve easily asked what Miyuki thought about them being that close instead… He shut his eyes close and hoped that somehow maybe Miyuki had fallen asleep and he didn’t hear him. Maybe. Maybe he was lucky enough—

“I guess it is sometimes.”

This time Eijun raised his head and looked down at Miyuki’s crooked smile. He was close, so close to him, he could clearly see his pupils and his unfairly long eyelashes. It was enough to make him retreat and instead of acting bravely he buried his face in his chest once again.

“Good.” He said. “Just don’t forget that.”

It was so pleasant to just lie there and focus on his heartbeat; the only noise that broke the room’s silence. Eijun could’ve thought up a million more comfortable positions than that but at that moment none of them mattered. Even if Miyuki was just playing along with their fake relationship, or if he was just simply teasing the younger boy; none of them mattered.

After a while Miyuki’s heartbeat slowed down which meant that he must’ve actually fallen asleep. It was only then that Eijun dared to put his hand on his chest and to find a more comfortable position by fidgeting a little. Miyuki’s arms weren’t binding him anymore even though they still lingered on Eijun’s back.

He didn’t have any doubts whether he could fall asleep or not; his eyelids felt already heavier than usual and he didn’t have enough energy to even lift his head a little. Before he gave in for his tiredness he thought one more time about his confession. Miyuki was surely asleep; it was a perfect opportunity for a test.

His lips quirked up to form a smile while he whispered five simple words that had scared him so much for quite a while now.

“I like you, Miyuki Kazuya.”

--

It was almost midnight when Kuramochi decided to return to his room. Surely they got enough time and probably the both of them were out somewhere. Finally he could get his well-deserved goodnight sleep that he longed for so much…

However, his eyebrows shot up upon the sight that greeted him once he stepped inside. The lamp by the desk was still on and he could easily see the two boys sleeping peacefully, which shouldn’t have been surprising, but their position clearly was.

Kuramochi shook his head and turned around. He’ll just sleep on Miyuki’s bed then, hoping that Miyuki would be bothered by that once he finds it out.

Chapter Text

It had to be a dream. Just a dream. Because there was no way that Sawamura—

“I like you, Miyuki Kazuya.”

It was just a weird dream, even though just the thought of it caused a mental breakdown for Kazuya. If that was actually only a dream then why did he felt so disappointed that it wasn't anything more than that?

“I like you.”

He couldn’t… He didn’t… Sawamura would never…

But what if he did? They were already going out, or at least faking it, so maybe he could’ve come to like him in that short period of time? Nah, that would’ve been ridiculous, and Kazuya would’ve surely noticed it. That guy wears his emotions on his sleeves, after all… Everything they did so far was fake and for the sake of having a good time. Maybe he only played along when he said that…

Except that they were completely alone.

Kazuya settled with the thought that he only dreamed that and tried to act as normally as possible when he finally opened his eyes and turned to look at the clock. They still had an hour before practice – thank god there was no school that day – so they really should wake up soon, even if every cell in his boy opposed that idea.

He raised his head a little and found Sawamura lying on him, sleeping as peacefully as ever, and drooling all over Kazuya’s shirt. Gross.

He poked his ribs a little which earned a whine from him, and he even nuzzled Kazuya’s neck a little. Okay, plan B. Since he was already acting like a puppy Kazuya blew a little air on his hear, since even though he had never had a dog before he knew that they didn’t like it.

Well, it quickly turned out that Sawamura was indeed not a dog; he sighed and it seemed that he actually enjoyed it. What the hell…

“Hey, Sawamura.” Kazuya whispered because even though he wanted to wake him up he still couldn’t bring himself to speak in a normal tone.

“Sawamuraaa.”

“Oi.”

Nothing.

Kazuya’s lips quirked up at the sudden idea.

“Ace-sama?” If felt so weird calling him like that but at least Sawamura finally responded to that, even if only with a grunt. “The ace wouldn’t be late from practice.”

“Gggh.”

“Yeah.” Kazuya rolled his eyes but he just couldn’t stop smiling. “That makes sense.”

“Mmpf.”

“Seriously now… Come on.” He began brushing his sides gently and Sawamura took in a deep breath, which meant that he was probably finally awake now.

“What is it…”

“Get up.”

Sawamura stilled for a couple seconds before he basically jumped off Kazuya and landed on the floor not so gracefully. Kazuya burst out laughing and it didn’t help him when Sawamura jumped up and glared down at him. His cheeks were so red it was a wonder how his head hadn’t exploded yet…

“W-w-w-what are you doing in my bed, Miyuki Kazuya?!” He hissed but Kazuya was too far gone now; there was no way that he could’ve stopped laughing. Oh god, what an idiot Sawamura was…

Then he suddenly remembered those words and somehow the situation didn’t seem as funny as before. He was still grinning though as he reached out for his glasses.

“Well, good morning to you too~.”

“Wait… Where’s Kuramochi-senpai?”

Oh.

“In my room, I guess?” Kazuya wondered whether he actually spent the night in his bed… Uggh, he would totally nag Kazuya with that all day… Fortunately they still had a day left from their fake relationship so all he had to do was to keep Sawamura close to him.

That shouldn’t be hard.

“Umm… Can I borrow a shirt?” Kazuya chuckled. He didn’t quite want to be confronted with Kuramochi before breakfast. “Just until I get changed.”

If possible, Sawamura’s already crimson red cheeks darkened a little more.

“S-sure. I just… go and find one.”

“Okay?” Kazuya watched as the younger boy almost managed to stumble over his own legs on his way to the cupboard. Was it just his usual morning clumsiness or… was he actually flustered? It was kind of… cute. Kazuya quickly turned his head away. Sawamura was not cute.

The shirt he got was a little bit tight around his shoulders but it wasn’t that conspicuous nor uncomfortable. On their way to the cafeteria Sawamura was completely quiet, and he even tried to walk slower so that he would walk behind Kazuya. Kazuya just sighed and reached out for his hand before he would’ve fallen behind too much.

“Ready to pitch your best today?” He asked so that he could distract him from whatever he was thinking about. And besides, Kazuya needed that distraction just as much; he just couldn’t get those words out of his head…

I like you, Miyuki Kazuya.

“I’m always ready!”

“Except when you’re not… But don’t overwork yourself before the match.”

“Like you would let me…” Sawamura mumbled. Oh, so he really was a fast learner, after all. Kazuya was still smiling as they entered the cafeteria and sat down in the nearby of the rest of the first-years. They were always a lighter company than Kazuya’s classmates, since one of them happened to be—

“Morning.”

Kazuya winced and Kuramochi’s greeting and tried to put on a smile as he turned around.

“You two have no idea how much you owe me.” Kuramochi said. Kazuya was surprised to find out that he actually was scared of him; his intense stare was as effective as a Yakuza’s hitman.

“K-Kuramochi-senpai,” Sawamura stuttered as he kept his gaze focused on his food, “would you be so kind to spare my life? I have to pitch in the match…”

“Hey now.” Kazuya laughed a little. “What about me?”

“Yeah, Sawamura, are you sacrificing his life for yours?” Kuramochi asked.

Despite the fact that Kazuya knew that they were all just joking he couldn’t help but be curious about the younger boy’s answer. Maybe he could find out whether he only dreamt that confession or not…

Sawamura looked sheepishly at him which was quite unusual of him but Kazuya had to admit that it suited him very well.

Then he opened his mouth and shattered that pretty image with it as well.

“Sorry, Miyuki-senpai.”

--

The last day… Eijun felt like there was a clock in his head, ticking loudly as if to warn him that he should confess very, very soon, before Miyuki would bring up the topic of ending their fake relationship. He still had no idea what he was supposed to say, what words he should choose, and he desperately needed more time to figure it out.

Unfortunately Miyuki didn’t seem that he would’ve wanted to grant him that.

“Can you reach your toes like that?” Miyuki asked by his ear and Eijun immediately shivered a little. Why did he have to be the one helping him to stretch before practice…

He snorted at his ridiculous question; he should’ve known by now that there was nothing impossible for Eijun.

“Huh.” Miyuki commented once Sawamura wrapped his fingers around his sole. “How are you even that flexible…”

“It’s all thanks to Chris-senpai’s careful training plans.”

“Hahaha, no credit for me?” Miyuki chuckled and pushed Eijun’s back even more forward.

“Not when you’re trying to kill me…” Eijun breathed out and was incredibly relieved when Miyuki stopped his torture, even though he still kept his hands on Eijun’s back.

“Is everything okay?” Miyuki asked in a serious tone that Eijun only heard when he was on the mound in the middle of a match; otherwise he always talked to him like he never took him seriously, and now…

“Why’re you asking?” Instead of turning around he leaned forward to stretch his legs a little more.

Miyuki chuckled and followed his movement, now pushing Eijun forward again.

“You’ve been acting a little weird lately.”

Nooo…

“I AM NOT!”

“Okay, I was just asking.”

He wasn’t… no, Eijun was acting the same as usual. Well, at least he tried to. He just couldn’t get his confession out of his head… Was he supposed to tell him that now? Or would that be an awkward time, right before practice? Miyuki would surely enjoy making fun of him but… but what would his answer be?

It was so difficult to concentrate when he couldn’t stop thinking about last night – and the morning that followed it. Did they seriously sleep together?! Again?!

Well, at least Miyuki wasn’t dealing with his nightmare this time. Hopefully he had the same sweet kind of dream that Eijun had, and he wouldn’t have to suffer from the torturing nightmares for a while.

“Will you catch for me today?” Eijun asked.

“That eager, huh? Sorry to disappoint you, but now it’s Furuya’s turn.”

Eijun scowled and this time he turned his head back to look at him. Miyuki had that awful smug expression on which never meant any good for Eijun.

“Then will you catch for me later?”

“If you ask nicely~.”

“I JUST DID, YOU JERK!”

“Haha, where are your good manners, Sawamura? I’m still your senpai, in case you’ve forgotten.”

Eijun stuck his tongue out and turned back to continue stretching instead of having to stand Miyuki’s delightful gaze.

“It’s not like you have anything better to do.” He said.

“Ooh, really?” Miyuki snickered. “You’re not the first on my list.”

“I’m not?”

“Not until you say the magic word~.”

Eijun growled in frustration. Miyuki was sometimes indeed unbearable, and his teasing got often out of hand – even though he was teasing only Eijun like that. It was the only reason why Eijun didn’t snap at him immediately.

“Please.” He whispered as quietly as possible. Of course, Miyuki wasn’t satisfied with that, and he leaned closer to Eijun’s ears from behind.

“Hmm~? Did you say something?”

“I can’t believe a team captain could afford to act the way you do…”

“I’m sorry?” He flicked Eijun’s ear who had to suppress a yelp at that. “I didn’t quite catch that.”

“FINE!” Eijun shouted and jumped up. When he turned around to glare down at the cause of all his problems he couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. Wasn’t it actually a good time to get over with his confession? He was already fed up with him and maybe a rejection wouldn’t hurt him that much…

He pouted as he decided that since he would already have to be paired up with someone else for practice then it was completely unnecessary to tell him that now. And besides, if he would get him to catch for him later when they would be alone then maybe… maybe he could gather enough courage until then.

“Will you… I mean, please, catch for me later, Miyuki-senpai.”

“Aww. See? Was it that hard?”

“It was.”

“Well, better get used to it now, since I’m generous enough to spend my free time with you.”

“You really can’t shut up, can you…”

“Make me.”

Eijun snapped his head and blinked a few hundred times all the while he felt the unmistakable warmness creeping up in his cheeks. Miyuki was still sitting on the ground and he actually looked like he was having the time of his life, while Eijun… Eijun really didn’t.

He quickly turned around and stormed off, even though Miyuki’s laughter followed him all his way down to the field.

Chapter Text

It was almost funny how much spaced out Kazuya felt during the whole practice. Furuya’s pitches had the usual force in them and despite the heat he didn’t look worn out at all. The outcome of their match on the next day would highly depend on the two first-year pitchers, but now Kazuya had no doubts that Furuya would be in top form.

However, the moment he let himself think that there was no need to worry, his thoughts about that certain pitcher attacked his mind and basically occupied it. And it wasn’t helpful at all that Sawamura kept shouting on the other side of the bullpen.

“Nice ball, Furuya!” Kazuya shouted just to get himself back to the present. He needed to focus; his job was all about focus.

Focus… focus…

“HAHAHAA, HOW’S THAT LOOK LIKE?!”

“At least you’re not targeting my head now…”

“THAT WASN’T A VERY NICE COMPLIMENT, ONO-SENPAI!”

“It wasn’t one, you idiot!”

Kazuya turned away to snicker at Sawamura’s and Ono’s bickering. God, Sawamura was indeed such an idiot…

“Okay, Furuya, last one!” He threw the ball back to Furuya who kept glaring at him in return for a few long seconds. “Come on! Don’t ignore me now!”

Pitchers… The most troublesome branch of all… And definitely the most amusing one.

He needed a quick break or he really might get hit by Furuya’s fastball soon, which would probably be more painful than funny. And besides, Sawamura would never let him live that down…

He frowned as he walked out of the bullpen. Why did everything have to lead to that brat? It had rarely happened to him before, when his mind got so fixated on something that basically nothing else mattered to him. It just happened that this time it was an actual person instead of a problem…

A little run would never hurt, he thought and began jogging around the field. It was Saturday already, and sooner or later he would have to talk to him about ending their fake relationship. It was fun, and it had the intended effect; Kuramochi almost completely stopped bothering them now. Which was another kind or weird, if he had to be honest.

Kazuya shook his head a little. It was completely pointless to waste any more energy or thought on that. They agreed on two weeks and now it was coming to an end. It was that simple. Nothing complicated.

Nothing at all.

Nothing that he would come to regret.

Nothing—

“Hey, Miyuki-senpai!”

Kazuya didn’t even need to turn around; Sawamura had already caught up with him and a side glance was enough to see his bright and blinding aura. Kazuya chuckled a little.

“Why aren’t you pitching?”

“I, umm, it was Ono-senpai’s order.”

“So you did hit him on his head, huh.”

“I DID NOT!” He shouted but it didn’t convince Kazuya in the slightest. “I am in great form today!”

“If that’s what you want to call it…”

“Why are you running though?” Sawamura asked in a much quieter tone. “It’s not like you.”

“What? You never saw me running before?”

“I’m not—that’s not what I mean!”

Kazuya sighed and slowed his pace down until he was simply walking. Sawamura did the same, too, much to Kazuya’s disappointment. So he wouldn’t be able to escape his questions, huh.

“You should focus on practice instead.” He said just to stall for time. He still wasn’t quite sure about what he should say, after all, and neither could he put a name to that weird feeling that kept bugging him lately so much.

The only thing he was sure of was that it was Sawamura’s fault, and that somehow Kazuya couldn’t bring himself to blame him for that.

“Same goes for you, Miyuki Kazuya!”

“No honorifics this time?”

“Just answer the question!!”

Aaah, there was really no way out. Or, well, there was a promise that always worked on the younger boy, and who knows, maybe he would buy it this time, too.

Kazuya winked at him and convinced himself that using that promise wouldn’t be such a shitty move.

“Sawamura, we still have a couple hours left from practice, and if I recall correctly we had a deal for the evening.”

“We had?” He looked so confused that Kazuya already knew his plan was successful. He smiled and wrapped his arm around Sawamura’s shoulder.

“Mm-mh, that’s right. I promised that I would catch for you later, remember?”

The way his eyes lit up was always priceless to see. He looked just as excited as a puppy that was about to greet its owner. Cute.

No, not cute.

“But if you hit my head then I might end our little practice session earlier.” He added cheerfully. However, the expected pouting reaction was nowhere to be seen.
Sawamura actually grinned and pointed his finger accusingly at Kazuya’s chest.

“Are you seriously telling me that you wouldn’t catch that, Miyuki Kazuya?”

Damn. Maybe Kazuya had spent too much time with him lately…

“Cheeky brat.” He ruffled his hair before he released his hold and turned to walk back to the bullpen. “I suggest you to work on your accuracy with your pitches if you still intend to play tomorrow.”

“You really can’t let me have the last word now, can you?!”

“Hahaa, maybe someday~.” Probably in another life, he thought with a smile that he found rather hard to brush off. He noticed Kuramochi sending angry waves at them from the other side of the field and Kazuya shivered a little. Hmm, maybe they could piss him off a little more with something…

He turned around and after Sawamura managed not to bump right into him, Kazuya put his arms around the younger boy’s waist and brought him closer to him. He didn’t even need to glance at Kuramochi to feel his angry aura.

Sawamura, however, went completely still for a second before he put his hands on Kazuya’s chest and attempted to push him away, but Kazuya was having none of it. He gave him a quick kiss on his cheek and ruffled his hair once again before he let him go and continued his way towards the bullpen.

It was clear as day that Sawamura was flustered after that simple kiss, but fortunately he quickly got over it and pitched to Ono as confidently and loudly as ever. Kazuya could finally get his thought back to focusing on catching but still, he was glad that Furuya didn’t need any instructions. Next to him Nori seemed to be in top shape, too, and even though he would be a reserve pitcher in the match he pitched just as intently as the two first-years.

They would’ve all deserved a good-night sleep, but that concept was basically unknown inside the Seido Spirit Dorms; not when they were either out somewhere practicing or occupying someone else’s – usually Kazuya’s – room. This time, for Kazuya, he had two things to accomplish. First, he had to make sure to catch all of Sawamura’s pitches, because he would tease him for a whole week if he would fail with even one…

And second, he had to break up with him, or something like that.

After the official practice was over and he got a few minutes to rest in his room he decided to go back to the field earlier than usual. Sawamura was most likely out there already, after all, either running around or talking to someone.

Kazuya almost reached the bullpen when he heard his voice. He was just about to enter and say something slightly insulting to him when he heard something interesting and decided to stop and eavesdrop a little.

“I’m telling you, Harucchi, neither of those hints worked!”

Kazuya heard the younger Kominato asking something but unfortunately he was talking way too quietly, and Kazuya only caught Sawamura’s answer.

“YES! Speaking more with him, making him smile, avoiding him… none of those!”

What the hell were they even talking about… Kazuya quickly looked around to check whether he was actually alone and stepped a little closer to the door to hear them better.

“No!” Sawamura exclaimed. “I-I mean, not yet… but I don’t want a rejection.”

Rejection? For what?

Suddenly a lone figure appeared not so far from him and unfortunately his hiding spot was far from perfect; he put on a smile and stepped inside.

“Are you ready to pitch now, Sawamura?” He asked cheerfully and laughed a little when Sawamura actually jumped because of his voice.

“MIYUKI KAZUYA!” He pointed his finger at him once again. Kazuya folded his arms over his chest and waited for a silly remark, but instead of that Sawamura puffed his cheeks and turned around.

He really was avoiding him now? Nice try, Kazuya thought and stepped closer to them.

“Ah, and I could’ve spent this time sleeping instead… Maybe I should reject your ask and do exactly that.”

At that Sawamura turned back to him and eyed him as suspiciously as if he was just about to accuse him of something. Kazuya grinned victoriously and headed to gather his catching gear.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw the two first-years talking and he caught the younger Kominato’s silhouette as he was walking out, leaving them alone. Sawamura waited for Kazuya as impatiently as ever so of course Kazuya had to put on his gear extra slowly.

“Come on, Miyuki Kazuya! I want to pitch NOW!”

“You can pitch freely to the net then.”

“I WON’T LET YOU RUN AWAY THAT EASILY!”

Was he really that much of an idiot? Kazuya already had his catching gear on so of course he would catch for him. He couldn’t stop grinning on his way to the other side of the bullpen.

“Forty pitches and I’m out of here.”

“I see. As stingy as ever.” Sawamura mumbled while he tested his wind up.

“Hey now. I’m the most generous person here.”

“LIKE HELL YOU ARE!”

“Haha, are you gonna pitch or not?”

Sawamura finally shut up and much to Kazuya’s relief about thirty times out of forty he pitched exactly where he asked him to. It was far from perfect, but he really was improving and that was all that mattered. That, and the energy he put into every single pitch of his. Kazuya had to realize that even though he was still hard to deal with most of the time, catching for him was something that made Kazuya glad for choosing that position in the first place.

He liked catching for him, but he also liked watching him from behind the batter’s box in a game, he liked that he could bring the best out of him with only a few words and signs, he liked how he could change the whole atmosphere of a huge stadium just by being there…

And, well, there was really no point in denying that now. He liked that idiot.

“Okay, one more!” He shouted and felt a warm feeling creeping up inside his chest. Kazuya got countless confessions before but he never had once given one. He grinned after Sawamura pitched exactly where he asked him to.

He had never once confessed to anyone before but maybe it was about time to do it.

--

The whole day had been as nerve-wrecking for Eijun as if he had been in an especially tight situation in the middle of an important match. No matter what Miyuki said to him he instantly shouted something back before he could’ve even thought that through. He was sure there was no way now that Miyuki might’ve felt the same way about him…

That didn’t stop him from teasing Eijun constantly, though, and much to the younger boy’s surprise they actually spent the day together. And it wasn’t like Eijun had been following him; it just… happened.

In that day avoiding Kuramochi was his number two priority, right after figuring out how to confess to Miyuki. Kuramochi had been glaring at him all day as if he were urging Eijun to something… It was rather scary, actually.

Then during the afternoon practice… No. Eijun shook his head to get that image out of his head. He could still felt Miyuki’s hands around his waist and… no no no no. No.

“Pay attention, Sawamura. You really gonna lose again.”

“Prepare to be defeated, Miyuki-senpai!”

Then after leaving the baths Miyuki walked up to him and it felt kind of natural for Eijun to follow him, and when he entered his room Miyuki didn’t say anything, so Eijun decided to stay until Miyuki would kick him out, hoping that he would gather enough courage to confess to him.

And now here they were, playing a video game in Miyuki’s room that Kuramochi accidentally left there. Eijun couldn’t concentrate at all, since their talk about the end of their relationship was most likely coming up soon – well, only if Miyuki didn’t forget that.

“Hahaha, Kuramochi would be sooo disappointed if he would see the crappy way you play.” Miyuki laughed before he pushed Eijun’s car off the road.

Eijun growled in frustration and leaned back on the floor, hiding his face behind his hands. Nothing, like really, nothing was working towards his favor…

Suddenly he felt a hand on his knee and he quickly removed his own hands from his face only to see Miyuki actually smiling down at him – a real and honest smile, not his fake or smug one. Eijun had no idea how many seconds had passed as he kept glaring up at him but at some point he opened his mouth, even though he didn’t even intended to say anything.

It really wasn’t fair how good-looking Miyuki was, but the way he kept watching Eijun… It was almost too much.

Then suddenly Miyuki closed his eyes and turned his head back.

“One more round?” he asked. “I would feel bad if we would end it now, when you just lost that humiliatingly.”

Eijun quickly sat up and grabbed the controller that he managed to drop before. He only bumped his shoulder to Miyuki’s as an answer and tried his best to show that he wasn’t that hopeless in video games.

Turns out, either he was, or he was just having a bad day, since this time Miyuki didn’t just win but his car had passed Eijun’s car twice even though they only had three laps to race…

“Wow. That was actually impressing.” Miyuki commented. He looked so close to burst out laughing that Eijun would’ve really liked to punch him on the face.

“Shut up.”

“Aww, don’t be so mad. I bet it’s just… umm, I actually can’t think up any excuse for you.” His shoulders were shaking and Eijun noticed that he had to bite his lips.

Confession or not, he was driving Eijun crazy in every way possible.

“That’s it. I’ll go back.”

He already reached the door when Miyuki finally opened his mouth.

“I wouldn’t do that, if I were you.”

Eijun’s hand stilled on the doorknob. He turned back but Miyuki was still facing the screen.

“Why?” he asked. His previous nervousness was coming back in full force and he couldn’t even bring himself to move. For barely a second Miyuki seemed to be smaller than usual; Eijun shook his head. He totally imagined that. But his shoulders were indeed rolled a bit forward…

Miyuki sighed and he almost sounded tired.

“Because I want to talk to you about… something.”

Oh no. No, no no. Here it was. The big moment. Eijun’s only chance. There were two possible outcomes of every confession; either success or rejection. Was Eijun ready for the latter? He had been trying to brace himself for that for quite a while now but… how would he interact with Miyuki after that? Would they become so distant that it wouldn’t even be right to call it a friendship?

And what if he would actually accept it, saying that he feels the same way? Of course, it would make Eijun the happiest person in the whole world, but… but what if he would hopelessly fall in love with him but then one day Miyuki would realize that Eijun isn’t good enough for him and he would break up with him? Eijun wouldn’t survive it…

He stayed quiet for so long that eventually Miyuki turned his head back to look at him. He surely noticed how panicked Eijun felt because he raised his eyebrows in question.

“You’re not gonna run away, are you?” he asked. It wasn’t that it hadn’t crossed Eijun’s mind… The easiest decision. The one with the least damaging consequences. It might be a cowardly act but it was definitely the one that would hurt the least.

Eijun shook his head and released his hold on the doorknob. He never liked the easiest ways to deal with his problems.

He walked back in silence and sat down next to Miyuki. His thoughts were racing in his mind but he couldn’t bring himself to say anything. And fortunately, he didn’t need to.

“Two weeks.” Miyuki said quietly. “It’s over tonight.”

Eijun nodded.

“There were some difficulties in the beginning but… now it feels like nothing had changed.”

Eijun nodded once again. Miyuki was right; nothing changed but at the same time everything turned upside down. Everything was fake and real at the same time and Eijun got so damn tired of trying to make sense of it that he didn’t even care about any of it now. The only thing that mattered to him was how this conversation would end: in joy or in tears.

“I still can’t believe that you agreed to this when you never once have dated anyone before, though.” Miyuki said.

“I hadn’t thought that it would matter.”

“See? You don’t understand anything. You should’ve refused my offer back then.”

He should’ve? Was that a mistake? Something that could’ve ruined his life? But he accepted it… Because…

“Why did you say yes?” Miyuki asked.

Eijun already knew the answer for that for a couple days now. He felt that he was blushing and turned his head even more away.

“Well, it was you.”

“Me?” Miyuki whispered after a few seconds. Eijun’s throat was so dry that he only could nod as an answer, hoping that Miyuki was looking at his direction. He waited patiently for him to say something, anything, just to know how much he managed to mess up their relationship…

But instead of an answer Miyuki suddenly burst out laughing.

Eijun turned to look back and blinked blankly at him. What even could’ve been that funny?! He felt like he was dangerously close to tears because he just destroyed his only chance with him… And that bastard would react like that?!

“You’re seriously pissing me off!” he shouted.

“Hahaha, but I can’t help it, I’m so relieved…”

“YOU’RE JUST—wait, what?”

Miyuki was still laughing and he even fell back on the floor. Eijun remained completely speechless as he stared down at him, trying to make sense of what he just said. He felt that he was getting angrier and angrier and he leaned a bit closer to him.

“Stop it! You can’t just—I didn’t even say anything funny!”

“Aah, believe me, you always do.” Miyuki managed to breathe out between two fits of laughter.

Eijun got so fed up with him that he decided to postpone their conversation; if Miyuki was acting like that then Eijun wouldn’t be able to tell him exactly how he felt. Being there with him was what he wanted all day but now he was just about to get up and leave.

However, Miyuki didn’t let him. He quickly sat up before Eijun could’ve stood up he wrapped his arms around him only to lean back to the floor again, this time bringing Eijun with him, too.

“Oh god, you’re such an idiot.” Miyuki chuckled and pushed Eijun’s face closer to his chest. “You just never cease to amaze me.”

Eijun tried to get off of him but Miyuki’s arms kept him steady on his spot. What even was going on with him? Did he finally lose his mind?!

After a few seconds of some relentless and quite ineffective fighting Miyuki softened his hold a little. Eijun put down his hands by his sides and pushed himself up, only to meet with Miyuki’s gleeful glance in the next moment.

“If you don’t kiss me now I swear I won’t catch for you tomorrow.”

“What the hell?! We’re gonna have a match!”

Miyuki’s lips quirked up to a smile that Eijun found rather hard not to look at.

“I’ll find a way.”

“You… why do you even want me to kiss you?” Eijun asked. He was still confused, and being that close to Miyuki wasn’t helping at all.

Miyuki pulled his hand back from Eijun’s back and put it on his cheek instead.

“Because I like you too, you idiot.”

--

Worth it.

A room all for himself.

Kuramochi yawned and stretched his arms above his head on his bed. Quiet. Peace. Nothing and no one that could bother him. It was just like a dream coming true.

And he only had to play his cards right for that. Those two were already all over each other, they just needed a little push – a helping hand – and now, finally, he didn’t have to wake up to Sawamura dropping something before dawn. He wouldn’t have to pester him nor dragging him off the field at midnight.

Quiet. Peace.

Worth it.

And besides, seeing their ridiculously happy mood in the next day convinced him that being a helping hand wasn’t such a bad idea after all. If only they would stop grinning whenever they looked at each other, though…