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“Huh? Cultural Festival? Seidou has something like that?” Sawamura asked as he twisted on his side to face Haruno. Haruichi can’t help but stare helplessly at his friend.
“Of course, idiot,” Kanemaru scowled, shoving his hands down his pockets. ‘Just how much of an idiot is he?’ he thought with a frown.
“Ohh,” Sawamura gawked, although he still had a confused façade going on. He had always been occupied with baseball since middle school so he can’t really be blamed if had no idea what to do on a cultural festival.
“Today the class is going to decide on what were gonna do. Do you guys have anything in mind?” Haruno asked as she clamped her hands behind her back.
They jumped in surprise when Furuya’s snooze bubble popped and his eyes snapped open. “What about practice?” he asked, not even bothering to turn back.
“That’s right, I still have to ask Chris-senpai if he could watch me pitch today,” Sawamura huffed, eyes sharp and fists clenched on top of his desk.
‘Seriously, is baseball the only thing in their heads?’ the three first years thought; two of which partly amused and dumbfounded, and one pissed and annoyed. “What are you going on about? Just how long do you think is this going to take?” Kanemaru grumbled.
“That’s right, Eijun-kun. Coach will probably postpone practice during the week for the festival,” Haruichi said with a smile on his face. He, himself, would also prefer to practice his batting over the festival but he knows that there’s nothing too bad with enjoying school activities. He thought about his last school festival and felt a bit nostalgic from the absence of his elder brother. ‘Maybe we could spend some time together,’ he thought ruefully.
Haruno took the initiative to talk them into it, her smile was tight and uneasy but her heart was at least sincere and determined. “Since this will be your first cultural festival, why not enjoy it to the fullest. I’m sure you’ll have fun, Sawamura-kun,” She placated. Though some part of her, probably an intuition of some sort, supplied that what she was asking was going to bite her back.
As it turned out, she was right after all. ‘Why don’t I ever listen to myself?’ she thought gloomily, as she fidgeted in her seat uneasily.
“Okay,” their class representative said with finality as he scribbled the last character on the chalk board. The day hasn’t even started yet, but Haruichi could already tell the outcome of such event. Kanemaru; however, never felt such dread his entire life. Even this was worse than the intra-squad game where they were completely obliterated by their seniors. Sawamura stared at the board dazedly. He was feeling nauseous and pale and Furuya, Eijun didn’t know what happened to the guy but even his condition during the brutal training camp was better than today’s. “It’s decided then, we’re doing a cross-dressing café.”
‘How did it come to this?!’ echoed in the air as the entire class felt the looming doom of their dignity and pride.
And so, that’s how the first years decided that practicing infield with the coach was better than this.
Fireworks cracked and exploded in the sky as the festival announced its opening. Children and adults alike bustled in the cramped and crowded spaces of Seidou. School girls carried their phones in their hands, laughing and cheekily taking pictures at the dumbest of costumes worn to gather a crowd. Boys followed the path of pretty cheerleaders hopping and bouncing in their paths. The air was filled with mouthwatering scents emitted from various food stalls and calls from those who sell.
“Crowded as ever, huh,” muttered by a particular playful voice. His presence alone caught the attention of passing girls and his wide and full smile made them swoon.
“Isn’t that…?”
“Huh, what are they doing here?”
“Well, this is not really against the rules so I guess it’s fine?”
“Sanada-san, where are we heading?!” Raichi yelled. He was relentless and impatient, his eyes staring hard towards the line of food stalls. Everything looks so delicious, he thought.
“Raichi, wipe the drool of your mouth, will ya,” Sanada laughed at his junior’s eagerness. He looked around the crowded place, humming a tone as he tried to make up his mind. “I guess it doesn’t matter. You guys do what you want, just give me a call if you guys wanna meet up,” he shrugged while crossing his arms behind his head and began to wonder off. Raichi wasted no time to rush to the chocolate banana stall. Figures, his remaining teammates thought with a sweat drop.
Kuramochi and Miyuki strolled in the crowded hallways with a sign that said ‘2-B Random Bazar; take your pick’ hanging on their necks. Miyuki’s sharp retorts rebutted everything their class representative argued and managed to escape random pair ups, and with Kuramochi’s luck (and gangster scowl) they got the easiest job of taking rounds and promoting their class. To both their opinion, it was something they can ditch easily.
“Hey, hurry up! Class 1-C finally opened,” a guy in their year urged his companion as they ran pass the duo.
“1-C? Isn’t that Sawamura’s class?” Kuramochi asked, leaning over to Miyuki with his hands in his pockets.
“Ah, yeah,” Miyuki dismissed easily. “Heh, we should check it out later. I heard some interesting news from the first years during practice,” he grins darkly, eyes closed into slits and a grin too wide for his character.
“Hyaha, I’d like to see what those first years did for a gimmick,” Kuramochi snickered. He could already picture the kind of humiliation his juniors had to go through just to earn enough class funds. He was especially looking forward for a certain loud mouth’s enthusiasm since he heard it was his first festival.
Though, he was distracted by Miyuki’s amused snickering. ‘Just what kind of nasty did this guy hear?’ he wondered tersely, an eyebrow quirked in mild curiosity and a bit of worry to whatever the catcher had in mind.
It didn’t take long for them to finally leave their post and roam around the school for something interesting. They spotted Chris and Tanba just around the corner near the stairs. Miyuki then spotted some guy wearing a Teito school uniform accompanying a girl who wore Seihou’s uniform. That wasn’t anything unusual. Seidou’s festivals were open for the public after all with few exceptions of course. Seeing students from other schools were pretty normal, they help generate income for the school anyway so long as they don’t cause any trouble.
“Where are you guys heading?” Tanba asked as they took the stairs, narrowly avoiding the running children who stopped the second they saw Tanba with his height and shiny bald head.
“We gonna check the first years out,” Kuramochi jabbed his thumb behind, a wide grin on his face. “Miyuki said something interesting was going to happen.”
“Ah, now that you mentioned it Sawamura was not feeling happy about his class,” Chris commented with a gentle smile. He fingers scratched his chin as he remembered the somber look his self-proclaimed disciple had put up during the little pitching practice they had before the busy week of the festival preparation began.
“Now I’m really looking forward to it,” Miyuki laughed with a dark gleam in his eyes.
“Hey, you dark intention’s coming out,” Kuramochi commented blatantly.
“Chris, Tanba. Over here,” Isashiki waved as they got nearer their juniors’ class. They were fairly surprised to see it was crowded and there was a line pending outside. Chris wondered just how business was going or if his junior were doing well.
“It’s surprisingly packed,” Tanba mumbled, awestruck.
“Yeah,” Chris agreed.
“Ah! The baseball club’s here,” a guy waved. Kuramochi reared at the realization that it was a girl with the way her chest slightly puffed out and her hair waved as she rushed inside.
“What the hell…” he muttered. He was relieved to know he wasn’t the only one confused. Kuramochi swallowed thickly when Ryosuke hummed and something and the air shifted.
The girl came back, a dark blush dusting her cheeks as she led them. “Please come in, we vacated a table just for you.” It was awkward so to say considering she wore a pilot’s uniform complete with gloves and a hat. If her voice were to be disregarded, she could easily be mistaken as a man. “Here you go.” She bowed deeply and rushed off to her group of friends.
Isashiki’s eyes trailed around the room and froze at the sight of recognizable boys wearing skirts and dresses. What completely made him look away was a well-built student wearing a Chinese dress with a slit going up to his mid thighs. Tanba was flustered from the sight of a girl timidly walking with her legs crossed tightly as she walked… that is until he realized his mistake.
“Hmm, what a repulsive sight to see,” Ryosuke mused. Despite what he said, the smile was never wiped off.
“Haha, I wonder…” Miyuki didn’t finish the thought but something malicious was hanging in the air around him.
“Hey! Where the hell is our waiter? I’m hungry!” Isashiki yelled, completely startling those who are nearby.
“A-ah, sorry! Coming,” a girl wearing a basketball jersey rushed. This time they knew it was a girl because she didn’t even bother putting up a good disguise. Well, at least they can appreciate that.
“U-uhm,” every single one in their table froze at the newcomer’s appearance. Kuramochi can feel his gut stir and something cold and evil was radiating at the other side of the table. “O-o-o-o-onii-chan… uhm… uh… what would y-you like to o-order?” the pink hair they were familiar of were tied into small twin tails. His usually meek voice became even more low and inaudible, and his embarrassment was twice as much as his shyness whenever he reached a base.
There the younger Kominato stood tensed and clad in a sky blue sailor uniform with white knee socks. He was looking down, fidgeting with the hem of his uniform. A cold gush of air past on their table and the only one who managed to keep a deadpan look was Yuki Tetsuya only. Chris glanced at his seatmate and found a dark look he’d rather overlook himself. Tanba looked away in shame. Haruichi was the one he mistook earlier.
“Haruichi, what kind of game are you playing at?” the elder brother asked but he was rather bland about it. A girl, at this point they can’t even tell the difference anymore, ran past their table. The frills of her maid outfit bounced and her (?) brown hair waved in her step.
Haruichi stammered and brought his hands up as he shook his head. Their attention shifted to the other table when they heard a loud and painful snap cracked in air. “Heya, you bastards. I don’t have all day to deal with you,” a gruff cross-dressing guy grumbled, lifting the kendo stick over his shoulders. However, his customers were delighted instead of being offended by his lashing.
“K-kanemaru-kun!” one of his classmates scolded.
“Huh?!” Kanemaru snarled, making the poor host shriek.
“Kanemaru?!” Tanba and Isashiki exclaimed. Kuramochi and Miyuki stared dumbfounded until the shortstop senior couldn’t hold it and he broke laughing out with Isashiki.
“What’s with that get up?” the shortstop pointed, barely completing his sentences before giving into his humor. Kanemaru considered himself lucky that he was able to draw the sukeban (female gangster boss). The outfit consisted of a long gray skirt and a normal sailor top. The brown wig was probably there for comic relief though.
Kanemaru’s cheeks flamed at being caught by his seniors. “Uh, I- I didn’t expect you to come here, senpai!” he stuttered loudly. He was about to walk over but the table he was handling called for him. He spared a glance towards Haruichi who was harassed by his own brother before turning on his back.
Just when he thought he could escape humiliation the last person he wanted to say something opened his mouth and did exactly what he wanted to avoid. “You seem to be passionate about this,” Miyuki began. Kuramochi halted his laughter and waited for the punch line that would surely blow Kanemaru’s pride into bits. “Could it be you that you actually enjoy this kind of thing?” he grinned leisurely though the way his glasses glinted exposed his thoughts.
“O-of course not!” Kanemaru protested. The flash in Isashiki’s eyes made him add, “… senpai.” The maid from earlier rushed past Kanemaru again and prevented the first year from explaining himself. So he saved his own behind by taking off to attend to his own table.
“O-onii-chan, can you p-please t-tell Haruichi wh-what you want to order? Haruichi is v-very busy… uhm… I don’t want to make O-o-onii-chan w-wait any l-l-longer,” the younger Kominato pleaded, clutching the hem of his skirt when his elder brother tried to lift it up.
“Hmm?” Was Ryosuke’s only response and that instantly silenced the stammering youngest.
“Ryo-san, don’t tell me you’re into that?” Miyuki teased, pointing at the younger brother. “Do you possibly possess some sort of sister complex?”
“Heh, who knows,” Ryosuke smiled darkly.
“Haruichi, where’s Sawamura?” Chris asked as he began to look around. Before Haruichi could answer, Miyuki beat him into it.
“Ah, I haven’t seen Furuya around either,” Miyuki pointed. Though, his attention was caught when a tall and slender form came into view.
“Huh, senpai?” it doesn’t take to genius to know it was the devil himself. Furuya was crowded by girls of different classes and schools, gushing around him for a picture. Unlike Kanemaru and Haruichi, Furuya’s hair was left alone saved for the polka-dotted headband with a big bow on top.
“Furuya…” Chris questioned as he eyed the pitcher. Tetsu kept a blank face with his arms crossed while Isashiki raised an eyebrow. Furuya was wearing a white blouse, a dark blue pencil skirt, black stockings and back heels with a clipboard in hand.
Haruichi, a little sister. Kanemaru, a sukeban. Furuya, a secretary. Now, Miyuki was really looking forward in finding his loud mouth pitcher.
Somewhere around the entrance of Seidou, another odd group made their presence known. “Heh, I didn’t think you’d be interested in this sorta thing, Narumiya,” Shirakawa said, searching the place with his usual harsh eyes.
“It’s not too bad,” Carlos snorted. “Mei said he wanted to eat that famous parfait that’s only exclusive in Seidou, right?” he looked over his shoulder and eyed the pouting pitcher.
“That’s right! I’m not letting it pass!” he grunted. “That’s why Masa-san, hurry up and find it! I want it!”
‘He’s acting like a kid again,’ his teammates thought.
Said Captain sighed and shook his head, “If you’re such in a hurry then go get it yourself,” he gruffly said.
“Huh?! No way, I don’t have the luck for it!” Narumiya protested. He dropped his pout and waved at a passing student who has asking to be noticed. Harada sighed whilst Carlos shrugged and Shirakawa grunted.
“Ah,” they stopped short on their tracks when they found themselves face to face with Teito’s battery and not after five seconds, the starting pitcher of Ugumori and their disabled manager coming from their left.
“Hey, hey, hey. What’s this…” Umemiya grinned.
“Is this a joke?” Mukai questioned. “Out of all places…” he sighed and eyed Umemiya and Narumiya with disgust in his eyes. Inui on the other hand, felt like he was struck by lightning.
“Hey, first year! Where the hell is our order, I’m starting to get hungry!” Kuramochi yelled.
“Spitz-senpai, it’s your fault for taking too long to order!”
“Huh?! What did you say?!” Isashiki growled, the metal chair screeching as he abruptly stood up.
Excitement buzzed in Miyuki’s nerves as he heard the telltale voice of his prey of the day. He can already taste the words itching to get out of his mouth. However, the impending words were stuck in his throat at the unexpected sight of his unorthodox pitcher. Their table fell into silence; even Chris’ jaw fell slack at the very sight of Sawamura Eijun. Ryosuke’s lips parted in mild shock, completely taken aback until he regained his composure faster than anyone.
Of course, Miyuki though as he stared in a faraway direction. Of course Sawamura Eijun had to be a maid.
“Here, the Love Love Love Omelet Tanba-senpai ordered, Tetsu-san’s chicken balls, Spitz-senpai (Oi!) grape juice and pancakes, Master’s….” Sawamura continued to loudly announce all of their orders while they still stared in shock, excluding the esteemed Captain who only waited patiently. “Okay, everything’s all done. Please, enjoy your meal!” Sawamura did a perfect 90 degrees bow and started to march off.
“Oi, Sawamura! Don’t just march off like that!” Kuromochi yelled, glaring at his retreating junior. Miyuki could’ve have sworn his glasses broke from the shock.
“Do you need anything else, senpai?!” he once again shouted.
“Stand there for a minute, Sawamura,” Miyuki said as he began to snake his phone out. He snapped a photo of his still perplexed junior who screamed bloody murder at the reality that Miyuki Kazuya had taken his picture without permission. “Hmm, not what I expected the outcome would be,” Miyuki muttered and pocketed his phone back.
“Miyuki Kazuya, don’t just take my picture like that! Are you a pervert?!” he yelled. “And that was 100 yen!”
Miyuki didn’t answer but he let his eyes shamelessly rake on Sawamura’s exposed skin between the frilly black skirt and white knee socks. The bells on his heels kept chiming as he stomped his foot. Next, Miyuki eyes Sawamura’s waistline and find them to be surprisingly slim. Must be a corset, he thought. That alone made Miyuki smirk and Sawamura didn’t like it one bit. The maid outfit was rather well made with the garter chest area that was already perfectly sewn to make it look like Eijun really does have breasts and the black choker that hid his Adam’s apple just made him look more… exotic.
Sawamura fidgeted under his scrutiny and lack of response. Miyuki didn’t think it was possible. He actually failed to see how Sawamura was able to pull off such a get up. Miyuki thought he’d be too buff for the outfit or too tall to pass. What’s more, he imagined Sawamura to be very awkward and flustered like Kanemaru or Haruichi. Heck even Furuya was feeling the discomfort. But there Sawamura is, in all of his maid outfit glory and long brown hair that waved in any movement he made. They must’ve burrowed some hair extensions from the Drama Club to accommodate Sawamura’s appearance and the fact that he was wearing approximately 4 inches of heels made it more difficult to comprehend.
“Heh, you never seize to amaze me,” Miyuki smirked. Sawamura, for some reason, blushed at the hazy look in his catcher’s eyes. ‘Ah, that’s the reaction I’ve been waiting for,’ Miyuki mused gleefully.
“Sawamura, are you perhaps truly a woman beneath your brashness and idiocy?” Ryosuke questioned smoothly.
“I don’t believe I am!” Sawamura exclaimed.
‘For someone who was down about this, he’s surprisingly taking it well,’ Chris thought, finally at ease. He expected Sawamura to be still upset about it but he seemed to be well. Maybe Chris had yet again underestimated his junior’s resolve and determination to finish a task. He was surprised, admittedly, at the image of Sawamura in women’s clothing though not unpleasant, he’d prefer him in Seidou’s baseball uniform.
“Tanba-san, if you stare for too long, you might get mistaken as a pervert with a maid fetish,” Miyuki reminded nonchalantly. The senior pitcher’s cheeks flamed and he looked down in shame and embarrassment.
“Shut up, it’s you who is the pervert!” Eijun spat, his finger pointing accusingly at his catcher. He stomped his foot again and the chiming bell caught Miyuki’s attention.
“Why did they have to put a bell on you? Your mouth’s already loud enough to make your presence known,” he said bluntly, eyes still focused on the silver bell attached on the buckle of the heels. Sawamura was about to pull his retort but when Miyuki looked up, he paled at the sight of the sharp and hard stare of his battery mate. What made him more dreadful was the way Miyuki’s lips curled slowly as if he was prolonging the suspense and built more tension to raise the intensity of the impact even more. “And shouldn’t you refer to me as ‘Master’?”
What.
What.
WHAT?!
“Why would I do that? Are you into this kind of kink? As I thought, you really are a pervert, you perverted bastard!” the pitcher ranted with his fists clenched, mouth seething but cheeks down to neck were flaming not just from sheer anger, Miyuki noted.
“Pfft! Hyaha, what’s with that, Miyuki,” Kuramochi cackled loudly. His arms wrapped around his stomach as it started to ache from the uncontrolled amusement, the corner of his eyes glistening with tears, and his laughter can be heard around the classroom.
A hand clamped on his shoulder and so, Miyuki acknowledged the touch and turned to Isashaki who was too close for Miyuki’s liking. “No need to hold back, Miyuki. As your senior, I will back you up,” he muttered grimly and Tetsu huffed in agreement.
Ryosuke, who was preoccupied with scaring some nobody who was trying to get too close to his brother, failed to realize another set of amusement. He didn’t miss the way that guy slipped his arms around Haruichi’s waist, coaxing the first year for a photo despite his ineffective protests. When the student finally noticed the piercing glares, he visibly flinched and slowly inched away from the younger Kominato. Self-satisfied, Ryosuke hummed and his permanent sinister smile widened further. The guy was sick but he was daring, he’ll give him that, he thought.
Unabashed, the catcher maintained his smirk. “Why are you so against it? You always call Chris-senpai your Master,” he shrugged. Sawamura froze, mouth agape and shoulders tensed. Chris, who was wishing to stay under the radar, sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Everyone on their table unceremoniously turned to the pitcher with flat stares.
“That’s a completely different case!!!” he protested widely. (Note: Master can be interpreted in many ways, especially in Japanese.)
“Different, how?” Miyuki pressed monotonously.
“Miyuki,” Chris called, still stuck in his resigned state. Kuramochi fed on the humiliation of his junior and the spur of his fellow 2nd year. He was about to add more fuel to the fire but the resounding clank of a bell cut him off.
“Everyone,” Haruno, wearing a pilot uniform, called as she continued to jingle the bell. “It’s time for the reveal of Class 1-C’s Grand Parfait!”
“Oh, here it comes!” a student nearby giddily cheered.
“Heh, last year they had a lottery so what will it be this time?” another commented.
“Hyaha! It’s finally here. I’ve been waiting for this moment!” Kuramochi howled and punched his knuckles together. Miyuki already lost his interest and went to stare at his two favorite pitchers.
“So that was your purpose here,” Miyuki commented flatly, arms and legs crossed. He thought about the shortstop’s eagerness a while ago and how he was excited to humiliate his juniors. As it is, it seemed like he had an ulterior motive after all. Well, who was Miyuki to judge?
“Shut up,” was Kuramochi’s snarl.
Miyuki wasn’t one for sweets so there was no need to waste his time to whatever was this class had in mind. He failed to understand why these people were so crazy over a tower of cream and sugar. He already had too much to deal with in a day and he’d rather not add sugar rushed morons in the list. The Grand Parfait everyone spoke of was the legendary parfait that was only available during the annual festival of Seidou and is only served by Class 1-C. The recipe was the treasure of every batch and it was kept highly classified. Every individual who had tasted it once craved for it in any chance they could get.
A cart was pushed towards her and she nearly toppled it aside when she unexpectedly fell on her steps. She blundered for a moment before straightening herself and clutched the white cloth covering the cart. “For this year, we will have a Shogi match!” Haruno declared as the banner was rolled down and the cloth was pulled revealing a wooden Shogi board on top.
That. The very word of that resulted for the silent captain to blow out his ever so spirited aura. Once again, Chris can feel the impending headache forming. He and Miyuki shared tired looks and sighed before facing the crowd again. Murmurs were filling the air. Last year had been a lottery and a total 15 persons were lucky to have rolled out the black marble, and Kuramochi and Chris had been one of the lucky 15. At first Miyuki thought it was the size of a standard glass but he was wrong. At least 5 were needed to finish one serving and so the baseball team from last year were blessed to have those two let them taste a piece of heaven.
“All you guys have to do is defeat our representative,” the girl who dressed herself in a Shinsengumi hakama, winked. “Sawamura Eijun!”
Silence...
Huh?
“Hurry up, it’s starting! It’s starting!” the group of students chanted.
“Masa-san, speed it up!!” Narumiya pitifully demanded.
“Shut up, Mei,” Harada grumbled. Narumiya huffed petulantly and glowered.
“It’s gonna be your fault if I don’t get my parfait,” he narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. Carlos glanced at him with that cheeky smile of his whilst Shirakawa could only rubbed his temples. “And why are you following us?!” he yelled at the duo walking steps behind them.
Mukai scoffed with an eye roll. “Please don’t assume things. We are simply walking in the same direction you are heading,” Inui said, Mukai giving Narumiya the nasty eyes.
‘This cheeky brat,’ Narumiya mentally seethed. He could already picture ways on how to wipe that smug smirk off that first year’s face with the use of his pitching. Maybe he should hit off one of his finishing pitches just so he could crush not only his confidence but also his spirit. Yes, that was a good idea. Narumiya gave himself a pat on the back for reaching such achievement.
“Hm? What’s with this damn line,” he snapped out his self-pep talk and looked over his shoulder and found the line Mukai was cursing on about.
“Checkmate,” the last click of a board piece echoed in the four corners of the room. The atmosphere was so tense that a single click felt like a bomb exploding.
Tetsu stared at the board blankly. His back was straight, lips tight, arms crossed, and eyes focused on the glaring red piece placed just beside his King. Kuramochi’s jaw dropped. Isashiki’s left eye twitched, his hands clutching the air, and mouth so wide that a fist could probably fit in there. Chris’ and Tanba’s eyes were wide and they shared bewildered looks before eyeing the reserved first year. Miyuki felt his heart start to beat faster and not long later, his lips began to curl into a devious yet surprised grin.
“This little…” Kuramochi grunted.
“One more,” Tetsu insisted.
“Ah, sorry but as we said you only get one turn,” Haruno reminded apologetically. She eyed the line forming behind the Captain’s chair before ushering said senior off the chair.
“Sawamura let’s play again later,” Tetsu said over his shoulder as he handed a hundred yen to the girl in waiting.
“Sure, Cap!” Sawamura agreed, his hands rearranging the pieces even without looking at the board and only relying on muscle memory.
No one had expected for the first year to win. In fact, the moment they found out that Sawamura was leading no one gave a thought about it. They all thought that the class was simply being generous by using the baseball team’s local loud mouth, idiotic pitcher to practically distribute the magical parfait they were so keen in preserving. Oh, oh how wrong they were. The round did not even last five minutes, hands down. Miyuki knew that their Captain sucked at Shogi but he was decent enough to prolong the game, he knew first hand of course. To say he surprised would be an understatement. Miyuki was feeling exhilarated. Oh, the things Sawamura Eijun could do.
Tetsu accepted his defeat and was rather looking forward for another game. As far as his experience could illustrate, Miyuki was his most impeccable opponent. He was a master of Shogi that Tetsu wanted to defeat no matter what. He had once challenge Sawamura before, the night he went to Miyuki’s room the first time. However, their game did not last since Jun had interrupted them by ordering Sawamura and Furuya to go buy their drinks and the night ended in such. Had it not been for that, Tetsu might’ve known the extent of Sawamura’s capabilities in Shogi.
‘Tetsu-san, I beg of you. Do not let that idiot hear what you’re thinking lest you want to bloat his ego as it already is,’ Miyuki thought. It was written all over their Captain’s face and knowing Sawamura, he’ll surely take those words into heart. Worst case scenario, he’ll let it get to his head. Unlikely, but there’s always a possibility.
“Heh, so you’re not a complete idiot after all,” Ryosuke commented lightly.
“Thank you for your humble compliment, Big Brother!” Sawamura shouted and abruptly bowed his head, completely forgetting the fact that there was a table in front of him which resulted in hitting his own head on the table. The impact caused the pieces to scatter on the board.
“I wasn’t complimenting you though,” the elder Kominato snickered.
“B-brother,” Haruichi placated.
Sawamura gritted his teeth, his hands flying to his red and throbbing forehead. Miyuki snickered which caused the pitcher to glare his way. ‘Hey, hey, why just me?’ Miyuki recoiled in his head. Kuramochi and Isashiki were no better. They were full blown laughing and yet Miyuki had to catch all the blame. Talk about injustice. But then again, he was the southpaw’s catcher. He was bound to catch everything Sawamura throws, and apparently glares and hits were included.
“Ooh, hey can I also try?” the baseball team’s head whipped towards the direction of the board and found no other than Yakushi’s ace, Sanada Shunpei, pulling the chair to make himself comfortable. “This looks fun so I hope you don’t mind if I play a bit, right?” he smiled cheekily as he eyed his opponent. “And you are rather cute in that get up, Sawamura-kun.”
Sawamura blushed at the comment and became even more flustered when Sanada winked at him. Something about that, Miyuki did not like. At all. How Yakushi’s ace recognize their pitcher was beyond him. But then again, Sawamura made himself known by striking out Todoroki Raichi by pressuring the kid and resulted for a swing-and-miss out, securing the win of the team.
“Ah… uhm.. Sir, one game is 100 yen,” one of the hostess said. Sanada smiled at her and made her blush, then he handed her the hundred yen she asked. “T-thank you.”
“No problem,” he waved and then fixed Sawamura a heated stare. Not wanting to back down, Sawamura returned the sentiment.
“Sanada-san!!!” the ground shook and rumbled, the crowd parting as the 4th batter of the Yakushi lineup made himself known.
“Oh, Raichi. What’s the matter?” Sanada asked as he rearranged the board pieces.
“Someone said that the parfait here is good. Where can I get? I want to eat it. Sanada-san, help me find it,” Raichi demanded continuously. Sanada laughed and shook his head. Maybe he’s been spoiling the coach’s son for a while now.
“Cool down, Raichi,” he gestured. “I’m playing an interesting game now so hold on for a bit,” he said and Raichi immediately obeyed and hovered over Sanada’s shoulder. “Hey, Sawamura-kun. Let’s make this even more interesting,” he suggested.
“Huh? Uh, what do you have in mind?” Eijun knew that very moment that it was the wrong question to ask.
Sanada smiled widely. His fingers entwined over the table and he rests his chin on them all the while keeping the innocent look for the pitcher to focus on. “I have a preposition for ya.”
“A preposition?” he repeated, uncertain. “Of what kind?”
“Hey Sawamura, do you even know what preposition means?” Miyuki questioned.
Just hearing his voice made Eijun twitched in annoyance. “Shut up! Of course I do, what do you take me for?!”
“An idiot,” Miyuki, Kuramochi and Ryosuke answered simultaneously.
“Agreed,” Isashiki added.
“I have no qualms about it,” Chris nodded with a smile.
“Wha—even Chris-senpai?” Sawamura sulked. No, he must not let them rile him up like that. He’ll make them eat their words, he swears on that. With a determined nod, he faced Sanada.
“Wo-ow, your seniors didn’t even have to think twice, huh,” he chuckled. “Okay, so about that preposition.”
“Yes, please continue,” Sawamura politely urged. Miyuki narrowed his eyes. This guy can bother to be respectful to someone from other schools but not him who’s his dorm mate, senior, and catcher? Wow, really, the injustice.
“How about if I win, I just don’t get the price but also have you as my personal maid for the day.”
“Huh?” Sawamura dumbly reacted, the bishop piece dropping from between his fingers back to the board.
What’s with that? What the hell is up with that?!
“Hoooh. Miyuki, it seems like you’re not the only one with a ‘Master-Servant’ kink,” Ryosuke taunted. Miyuki had to give it him, the guy has timing (he’s referring to both Ryosuke and Sanada).
“Haha, that sounds fun. Go for it, Sawamura!” Miyuki pushed, his grin wide but glasses flashing.
“Hey! Don’t just decide that on your own!” Sawamura protested as he glared at them.
“What? I’m sure you’re up for the job, right?” Miyuki pointed at his outfit and Sawamura had to close his legs because apparently, Miyuki really loves to stare.
“Yup, he’s in for it,” Ryosuke answered on his behalf with a nod.
“B-brother!” Haruichi scolded. He flinched back when the elder Kominato nodded with a dark look on his face.
“Onii-san, not you too!” Eijun was practically whirling around and about the whole situation. What had he gotten himself into this time? Why? Why? Why did he have to be the unfortunate?
“Sawamura, no backing down now,” Isashiki grunted with determination burning in his eyes.
“Spitz-senpai!” Isashiki glared at him for that. Tetsu gave him a thumbs up with a small smile while Tanba gave up and showed himself out. Chris gave him an apologetic stare but made no move to stop the others. “If you’re all so in for it, why don’t you do it?” he whined.
The seniors all exchanged looks, even Furuya and Kanemaru as well. They all took breaths, including the spectators and said in unison: “Because you’re the maid.”
Sawamura felt overwhelmed but even more so, pissed. “Whatever fine! Let’s just get this over with,” he huffed.
Sanada laughed and went to pick up a pawn. “Ok~ay… Ah, I still have one more question,” he rushed.
“Okay, what is it?” Sawamura paused.
Sanada gave his biggest and brightest smile and said: “How do you play Shogi?”
Sawamura nearby pulled his hair out.
“Hmm, Japanese culture is truly amazing,” You muttered as he heatedly eyed the rows of chibi dolls.
“You, if you still want to explore it’s best to do it while it’s still early. We still have practice this afternoon,” Sekiguchi, his catcher, reminded curtly as he eyed the doll twisting within the grasps of the pitcher.
“Ah, that’s right,” You muttered flatly and set the doll back down. He abruptly turned on his side and walked away.
“He sure is getting excited, heh,” Kunimi chuckled and watched the back of their ace looking around earnestly despite his stoic expression.
“It can’t be helped, this is his first culture fest after all,” Sekiguchi smiled softly. “Let’s just bear with him.”
Kunimi crossed his arms behind his head and grinned carelessly. “Sure thing,” he chirped and began to walk after their pitcher.
By now, Miyuki couldn’t compare anything more entertaining than Sawamura Eijun losing his shit over a game of Shogi. After he mopped the floor with Sanada, baiting him with the so-called ‘Demon Killer’ move, a very basic trap done by the black side, one after another students came filing in to defeat the pent up and frustrated first year. The longer Miyuki watched, the more he noticed things he hasn’t before. Or more like, he saw a completely different side of his southpaw pitcher.
“Heh, I thought it was just a fluke but I guess he does have some bite after all,” Kuramochi grumbled, hands in his pockets and his eyes never straining from the match.
“Haha, worried he might outsmart you one day?” Miyuki taunted with that smug and mocking smirk of his.
“The hell he will!” Kuramochi cursed, his fits raised and ready to hit all the while Miyuki was raising his hands in a placating gesture despite the shit-eating grin on his face. Their attention snapped back to Sawamura when he declared check mate, yet again.
“So far, our representative remained undefeated! Everyone step right up for those who wish to get a hold of our Grand Parfait!”
“Eijun-kun, how are you doing?” Haruichi asked, standing beside his fellow first year.
“Harucchi…” he whined. He doesn’t want to admit it but he was ready to drop. It’s not equal to giving up, mind you. He ju—
“Aha! Finally!” a boisterous voice yelled in triumph. “Ah…”
All eyes turned towards the door, a familiar blonde, blue-eyed pitcher searching the room with sharp yet child-like eyes. The room was tight with tension and high on pressure. What a timing, Miyuki mused. “Mei, nice of you to drop by,” he waved.
Narumiya turned to him with a frown on his face. “Kazuya.”
“Hey, hey, hey, what’s going on here? Don’t leave us behind.” Umemiya growled, pushing Nao’s wheel chair as they entered the room. Mukai cringed and stepped behind his catcher, but his attention was diverted to the new comers.
“Oh? This is unusual to see,” Kunimi muttered tightly. You eyed the crowd blankly before his eyes darted to the first year maid then down to the mysterious board on the table.
“Sawamura Eijun,” he called, his eyes never straining from the southpaw staring at him with those bright, golden eyes.
“Hmm?” Sawamura hummed in response.
“Why are you dressed like that? Sekiguchi, is this normal?” he turned to the catcher who was completely deadpan of the sight of different teams within the vicinity. “Hmm, Japan sure has some odd culture…” You muttered.
Eijun blushed and he resisted the urge to hide his face behind his hands. It was embarrassing. It was bad enough that Miyuki made fun of him and Sanada kept on insisting for his number to the point that Eijun knew he was openly flirting with him. Even he can notice it with the way the Yakushi’s ace eyed him and complimented him. Sure, he was a sucker for praises but not like this; not while he was dressed as a woman and treated as such. His pride as a man and a baseball player took a blow on it and he can’t stand it.
“What is this?” Sawamura broke out of his depressed thoughts when You asked him a question. He looked up to respond to him but when he did, the other pitcher’s face was inches away from his own. From that proximity, Eijun could see that You Shunshin’s eyes were borderline of blue and gray. They were focused yet curious at the same time that Eijun wondered if he was ever stopped exploring the culture of the country he admired for its baseball. Somewhere from the back, girls were blushing and muttering among themselves.
“Uh… a-ah? W-what is?” he stammered. You’s sharp eyes dropped below and Eijun followed his gaze down to the Shogi board. “Ah, this is Shogi,” the first year began as he straightened his back, one hand fisted on his lap.
“Shogi?” You repeated. He looked ever his shoulder when Kunimi appeared behind him, having long abandoned the group of the unusual. He felt so out of place of the tense atmosphere of those baseball geniuses of their generation.
“Yeah, it’s equal to Taipei chess although it’s far from being similar,” he clarified. You stayed silent but he nodded in acknowledgement. He looked back up to Sawamura, his intense stare almost made Eijun jumped back and glower because it almost looked like he was glaring at him with challenge.
“Sawamura Eijun, how do you play it?” he asked after a tense silence.
“H-huh?” Eijun sagged dumbly, the bell around his ankle jingled as he tapped his foot. “You wanna learn Shogi?” he asked.
“Precisely,” he nodded.
Sawamura chewed on his lips. He contemplated his thoughts, it’s not like he was being asked directly to teach him how to play but he also wouldn’t be opposed to it either. Eijun has nothing against Akikagawa’s pitcher, on the contrary he admired the man for his amazing control when it comes to his pitches. He supposes there’s nothing bad with having a new friend.
“There’s no choice to it then. I, the humble Sawamur Eijun, shall teach you the mysteries of Shogi and won’t stop until you master such art.” He was talking bull and he knew that but it felt good to be relied on. Eijun never considered himself a master of the game, and is rather humble about his skills but what could go wrong?
“Thank you for having me,” You bowed lowly and the sincerity and hidden eagerness in his tone made the southpaw’s chest swell with pride and embarrassment.
“Come by anytime you can,” Eijun said softly with a warm smile. The gentleness in his voice shocked the other pitcher but above all, the fact that a rival was willing to be patient with him made his chest tighten and see Seidou’s mood maker in a completely different light; warm, bright, and gentle. “Ah- but before that, you should text me so I can make time. I’ll give you my email,” he rushed and went to search for his phone.
“Whaaat, no fair!” Sanada pathetically whined and went to grab Sawamura by the shoulder. “How come he can get your email even without asking for it but I can’t? You didn’t even offer to teach me,” he pouted.
Sawamura laughed sheepishly, phone already in hand. He wanted to point out that Shunshin doesn’t have the slightest intention of teasing him for wearing a maid outfit unlike Sanada who has the opposite goal. You was merely asking for help, not a boyfriend who can cross-dress. Ah, just the thought made him rage again but he held it down. Surprisingly, he was capable of it.
“Sanada-san! Sanada-san! Sanada-san!” Raichi chanted behind him. Raichi’s call made him sweatdrop and inch away from the senior. “Sawamura, next time we won’t lose to you! I’ll blow you away with my batting! Kahahaha!”
“Hey! This is Shogi, who’re you gonna blow away?!” He yelled and pointed the laughing batter. “And as if I’d lose, I’ll make sure to strike you out every time it’s your turn! You too!” he glared at Sanada who was still grinning.
“Eijun-kun, I thought this was about Shogi!” Haruichi reminded. Beside him, Furuya released a powerful aura of spirit and determination.
“I won’t lose either,” he grunted with slanted eyes.
“Furuya-kun?!” Haruichi flinched.
“Heh, let’s see it then,” Ryosuke suddenly said, scaring his little brother. “Can you defeat our ace in a game of Shogi?” he asked coolly, arms crossed over his chest. The dark look on his face made Haruichi pale and sweat buckets.
‘So he’s an ace now?’ Kuramochi thought blankly.
“Ace?” Furuya repeated then the next second another pulse of his ridiculous aura exploded and nearly toppled them over, Yuki following behind.
“Heh, as if pigs like you can outsmart me,” Mukai degraded, eyeing Sawamura coldly.
“What did you say, you high and mighty bastard?!” Eijun and Isashiki sneered. Eijun’s rage was so strong that the hair extensions fluttered around him menacingly.
“You’re even too dumb to catch it, huh?” he snorted pompously.
“Bring it!” Eijun fisted his hands and punched the air. “I’ll make you swallow those words and humiliate you for good!”
“That’s right, Sawamura!” Jun yelled. “Show that snotty brat who’s the boss!”
“Try it if you can,” Mukai stuck his tongue out and snickered. Sanada smirked tightly and took a step back, bringing Raichi with him as You stood alongside his company and let Mukai take the seat with his catcher standing behind him.
‘I hope they won’t take this back to the diamond once the season starts again,’ Chris thought tiredly. He wishes that it won’t add more tension to their rivalry and what’s more it’s not even related to baseball. Just the thought of outside conflict already had him anxious.
“Worried?” Chris glanced at his side and found Miyuki smirking at him.
“This is gonna be a problem once it gets out of hand,” he explained. Miyuki laughed and tilted his head, his gaze never straying anywhere but Sawamura. “Don’t you think this is gonna affect Sawamura’s focus if he face Teito again?”
“Nah, I wouldn’t think about it too much,” Miyuki shrugged. “In fact,” he added mischievously. “This can serve as a driving force to throw that battery out of their pace, haha!” Chris shook his head. He confided the wrong person. “Though, I think this can also help Sawamura focus on targeting them on the diamond. He can use that desire to strike their batter out.”
‘Huh, I guess I’m overthinking about it too much,’ Chris conceded. Leave it to Miyuki to think about his pitchers. “I trust you to pull him back once he gets too far up on his horses,” Chris added with a gentle smile.
“Sure, leave it to me,” Miyuki grinned evilly. Oh, he’s got a lot of ways on keeping the southpaw in check per se hitting his best pitch in the worse way possible. Chris eyed him warily.
“Checkmate,” their attention shifted to the two pitchers on the table. Mukai’s got an irritated look on his face whilst Eijun was smug and even conceited with his accomplishment. Inui shuddered and eyed the board like it was some sort of death machine. The promoted pawn was just a square away from Taiyo’s king but it was the lance and rook that kept Taiyo from moving away and safely since the front was blocked by his own knight.
“Damn it, I won’t go easy on you next time!” he swore, enraged and completely floored.
“Sure~” Sawamura mused tauntingly. “I’ll beat you again and be sure to be on your top shape because I won’t be lenient with you again,” he smiled happily. Mukai sneered and abruptly stood up.
“As if I’d let you,” he scoffed. Inui gave him a grim and stiff nod but the pitcher only huffed at him while keeping his glare on. He noticed Narumiya Mei’s smug and taunting grin, and once again made his annoyance rise.
“Ahahaha, that’s what you get for being so arrogant, ya damn first year!” Jun laughed out, a vein still throbbing over his forehead and finger.
“Ah, so loud… so annoying,” Mukai turned his head away and walked farther from the 3rd year.
“What’d you say, you brat?!” Jun yelled.
“Oh, so that’s how it is then,” You muttered lowly and eyed the board intensely. In his head, he can already imagine a 3D version of the board and imagining scenes that will be engraved in his memory for practice later. “I got it.”
“Ah, no. You can’t learn Shogi in just a day, You,” Sekiguchi said in which the pitcher could only nod.
“Haha, even you can’t beat our pitcher in Shogi,” Miyuki snickered smoothly and eyed the rival schools and disregarding his own schoolmates. “what will become of you lot, huh…” he smirked and eyed each individual. His own teammates turned to him stiffly and Chris who was just beside him eyed him, utterly unimpressed.
“HUUH?!” Umemiya and Mei raged on while Mukai and Sanada popped a vein. Raichi just smiled uneasily and eyed them nervously. He has no idea what was going on so it’s best to stay quiet.
“Are you trying to pick a fight?!” Narumiya shouted, face red from anger and just a breath’s away from Miyuki’s.
“Huh, no way. I’m just merely stating the facts,” Miyuki replied with a shrug, his glasses flashing and lips curled in amusement.
“What is this damn catcher goin’ on about,” Eijun cringed away.
‘Leave it to him to fill the tension, yet again,’ Kuramochi thought flatly. “What a nasty guy.”
“Hm, ain’t he a handful,” Ryosuke muttered beside him. Kuramochi eyed him and sighed, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously. Kuramochi crept away when a malicious smile made its way to his sinister partner’s features. “Yakushi and Teito had failed to defeat Seidou once again, maybe this time the king Inashiro will bow down,” he mused.
“Ryo-san?!” Kuramochi exclaimed at the same time Haruchi scolded his brother.
Mei growled. “Now you’ve done it! I’ll take you down and make sure you never get up once again! I’ll make you remember who the hell I am!!”
“You tell’em, Mei,” Carlos suddenly strolled in with a stressed Shirakawa following behind and an annoyed Harada glaring straight at the blonde ace.
“We take our eyes off of you for a second and you already got yourself into a troublesome situation with troublesome people…” Shirakawa muttered darkly, eyes piercing glares towards Miyuki’s direction.
Carlos whistled at the sight of Eijun in a maid outfit, and smirked lewdly when their eyes met. “I didn’t think you’d be cute in such predicament,” he winked and smiled.
“I know right,” Sanada laughed along and winked at him as well.
Sawamura slumped as he was once again flirted on. He couldn’t even bring himself to be embarrassed anymore, he just felt resigned. Miyuki eyed the southpaw blankly and turned to the newcomers. It was obvious that the first year was starting to strain and fall into boredom. However, when he began playing again all resignation left his body and was replaced by fortitude and focus. Sawamura Eijun was completely different when playing Shogi.
It wasn’t a surprise when Mei insisted for Masa to play considering that he doesn’t have the slightest clue on how to even identify the pieces. Though, Eijun wasn’t deterred. The moment Harada sat down, pressure immediately rained on them that even Sawamura can admit it reluctantly. In spite of that, Eijun kept his composure while they watched in tensed silence. At this point, the sugary dessert was completely forgotten and the tournament was reverted into a competition on who can beat Seidou’s loud southpaw. The pieces clicked and clanked repeatedly as the players advanced forward. Sawamura was the first to promote his pawn but it was Harada who caught a piece first. He captured one of Eijun’s knights when the first year miscalculated his move.
Yet, it didn’t take for Eijun to return the favor. He captured one pawn with his lance and didn’t waste a single second to flip the piece to promote its rank. However, Harada captured his promoted lance. Mei and Carlos shared knowing smirks while Shirakawa observed with keen eyes. They were surprised when Sawamura didn’t react with the capture of his promoted lance; instead he captured one of the Inashiro captain’s gold general with his promoted pawn.
Harada frowned, brows furrowed tightly and his lips were straight. In other words, his expression didn’t betray his thoughts. “Hm, not a bad move,” he praised.
“Ngh!” Eijun huffed through the nose as he moved his knight on a different square where it can either capture a silver general of one of the pawns. The silver general is what Harada is keeping a close eye on so he moved it forward that’s why he didn’t see it coming when it was suddenly captured by a bishop which opened a path for the capture of his king.
His gaze snapped to the first year and he was momentarily frozen by the sudden aggression burning into those golden eyes. It wasn’t just him thought. Everyone in the room held their breath, mouth ajar from shock. Miyuki shivered at the fire blazing in Sawamura’s golden eyes, breathing in a steady rhythm and fingers nimble as it moved the pieces. Yes, Sawamura is completely different when he plays Shogi. He becomes more reserved, thorough, and most of all, quiet.
It’s not a bad thing. Oh, the things he’d do just to shut the idiot up but it was like Sawamura was not Sawamura without the loud optimism, the bright and vibrant smiles and cheers, the burning fiery spirit that can change the atmosphere to their favor once he gets on the mound. The one sitting on the table was not the pitcher Sawamura Eijun that their team grew accustomed to but rather a player with a calm and rational drive. His presence was different from their pitcher but the aura of determination and drive to win was there; the way they blaze within those golden eyes.
“Checkmate,” was the final call. Harada eyed the board, astonishment printed on his face. Narumiya was beyond pissed not because they lost, not because he was proven wrong, nor because he didn’t get his parfait but because of how they lost.
“Hyaha, I didn’t think he’d be this cruel,” Kuramochi muttered, eyes wide.
“You’re starting to rub on him,” Ryosuke smiled beside the catcher. Miyuki can’t help but give a snicker of his own.
“Seriously, coach will hear this, that I’m sure of,” Chris grumbled but the bewildered smile was there.
“Ah, you never ceased to amaze me,” Miyuki muttered under his breath as he eyed the three promoted pawns that surrounded the Inashiro’s king. The pawns that Sawamura captured and later dropped in the game, and promoted as it continued to advance and later trapped the opponent’s king.
Miyuki basked in the anger that Narumiya suffered through. He was the King, Inashiro’s king and he was only captured by a pawn, a mere pawn that used to be under his command. Huh, what a cruel move indeed. Miyuki eyed Eijun under his hair and watched the pitcher collect the pieces with a blank stare. He’ll tease the first year later. For now, it’s best to let him collect his bearings and calm down.
In the end, no one won the tournament but the class was able to collect enough to treat their entire class with a snack of something. But the ingredients prepared weren’t put into use so they just served the parfait to Eijun who gave it to the entire baseball team. They all had to thank Sawamura but oddly enough, he wasn’t up for a celebration. He remained at the back of the room having changed into his uniform as soon as the bell signaled that it was time to end all festivities and prepare for the bonfire at 7 pm. The rival teams bid their farewells, most sworn to beat Sawamura and the baseball team in the diamond when the season starts once again. By then they’d be 2nd years and the 3rd years would graduate. That was the price they had to pay for losing the Finals before Koushien.
You reminded him about their future meet-ups for that Shogi tutorial, in which Eijun immediately felt happy about. Sanada had asked for his email again much to his dismay until the Yakushi ace advised him to disregard the maid outfit and meet with him in the weekends for a cup of coffee if he was ever interested. Eijun teased him with a line of ‘I’ll think about it’. Narumiya marched off with a disgruntled expression while Harada thanked him for a good match, Carlos winking at him again and actually made the habit of calling him ‘Cute pitcher’, and Shirawaka wordlessly nodded. Eijun was still affected by the deadball he hit the guy with but Shirakawa brushed him off and reminded him that accidents happen all the time. Still, that doesn’t make it better. Mukai and Inui left early so Eijun wasn’t able to bid them properly but Umemiya and Nao had promised to learn Shogi and challenge him one day. He was looking forward for it.
Sawamura stared at the door dazedly, the bustling excitement outside were already ringing towards the skies. His eyes diverted to the front where the clock ticked in every passing second, reminding him of the time. 6:45 pm, just fifteen more minutes. Tanba and Jun are already ushering everyone out to head to the front of the school for the bonfire and they wasted no time to run out. Eijun waited for everyone to be out before following out rather sluggishly. He wasn’t up for anything aside from retiring into his room to sleep. On his way, he was suddenly yanked forward.
“Wha--!”
“You look like you’re about to fall down, don’t tell me you’re already worn out?” the teasing voice already snapped his consciousness awake even without looking up.
“Miyuki Kazuya!” he said the name as if it was a menace itself but all Kazuya could do was laugh and lead the pitcher to the direction he pulled him into. “Where are you taking me? Let go, you bastard!”
“Wow, is that how you talk to your senior? How disrespectful,” he feigned offense.
Eijun scoffed offhandedly but didn’t resist any further. He was tired and irritated, and here he is being dragged by his pain in the ass catcher. “Where are we going?” he took the chance to ask again.
Miyuki didn’t reply but there was an odd look on his face. A kind of softness and tenderness that can seldom be seen, and just not by anybody. Sawamura averted his gaze and looked down on his shoes instead. Stubborn as he is, Eijun knew he can’t win against Miyuki. He heard a door pushed open and he found themselves strolling pass the empty and dark spaces of the hallway. Under normal circumstances, he would’ve thought that Miyuki was planning to do something heinous to him like lock him up, or scare him with ghost stories then lock him up, or maybe plan his murder for being so damn loud all the time. He was actually half-tempted to call out for Kuramochi in case he was nearby for the prank to initiate.
Oddly enough, Eijun didn’t care. He trusts Miyuki. No matter how strained their relationship is whether as a senior-junior or as a battery, Eijun will always put his trust on Miyuki. After all, he didn’t stake his entire future by chasing after him in Seidou for nothing. Sawamura began to walk on his own instead of dragging his feet and when they reached the stairs, Miyuki started to sprint so Eijun had no choice but to follow his pace… like always.
“Miyuki, the bonfire’s about to start,” he tried again. The catcher looked over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow in question.
“As if you were planning to go,” he snorted. Sawamura opened his mouth to protest but Miyuki wasn’t done. “I bet you were thinking of heading to your room to sleep, right?” Eijun closed his mouth with a snap. “I thought so,” Miyuki snickered.
“S-hut up!” Sawamura stammered. “Where are—“
“C’mon, just follow me,” the catcher urged lowly. “We’re almost there.”
“Almost where?”
Miyuki didn’t answer and pulled him close instead, pushing another set of double doors. Eijun panted as he was finally put to rest. He looked around and found themselves on the rooftop, alone, apparently. With one last deep breath, he walked up to the fence and found the group of students scattered below. It was dim with the only source of light was the quartz moon and stars. He turned back and found Miyuki staring at him.
“What are we doing up here?” he asked.
“You’ll know later,” Miyuki replied and joined him by the fence. He leaned his back against the metal rails and smirked lazily at the confused pitcher.
“What’s with that? Are you trying to act cool or something? It’s creepy,” EIjun grimaced.
“Oi!”
Sawamura laughed at the contorted expression Miyuki showed. The way his hazel gold eyes narrowed, his crunched, his lips form into a scowl. Though, there will always be that distinct feature that tells him the Miyuki was playing along with him. Miyuki was rarely angry. In fact, Eijun had only seen it once and that was already enough of a warning to never try it again. There will be always that mirth that reminds him that Miyuki Kazuya will always be Miyuki Kazuya.
“Hey, don’t start thinking too hard or you’ll injure yourself. That’s bad. You’re our only southpaw, after all,” Miyuki chortled.
“W-what?! Hey!”
Miyuki laughed whole-heartedly. There it was again, that mirth. Why does he always notice the smallest of things about this man? He was nothing but a shitty senior but everything about him, Eijun wanted. His opinion meant everything to him and Eijun always make sure to do his best because someday, he’ll make Miyuki acknowledge him without a single trace of doubt. They have very little time spent together as a battery and Chris graduating in just 2 months was the proof of that. Eijun wanted to form a battery with Chris in an official match but didn’t happen and yet… and yet Chris taught him so much within the little time they had. With Miyuki, he still had another year… but then again they only have one year left.
“What is it this time?” Sawamura jumped back a little and found the catcher watching him with calm and keen eyes. He wanted to answer the question but it was too tender and bare. Eijun knew he is someone who bears his heart on his sleeves so many had pointed that out, after all. However, moments like this when he is being watched by someone who matters to him, someone he never wants to disappoint; there is always the vulnerability and chill. “Sawamura.”
He resisted the pull of his voice but it was a futile attempt. Eijun met his gaze and his breath hitched sharply. His eyes, his eyes were always Eijun’s center of attention. Sure, when he pitch his focus will be on the mitt but before anything else he would search for Miyuki’s sharp gaze. He would look in his eyes and with just that, he understood.
Look at me. Focus on my mitt and give me you best pitch. Trust me, I’ll catch it.
And Eijun would do just that. After each game, he would look over his shoulder or turn to his side to search for him and Miyuki would always be far from him. More than the sixty and half feet distance between the mound and the catcher’s area. No matter how much he ran, how long he reached out, or how loud he called; Miyuki Kazuya will always be far from him.
“A-ah… It’s just tha—“ from the corner of his eye, a flicker of orange and yellow light blazed and his attention was completely caught as the bonfire began.
Miyuki calmly observed before sighing. He ruffled his hair and clicked his tongue. His hand slid from the back of his head down to his nape, rubbing the exposed flesh uneasily. He opens mouth to say something but Sawamura began to sing the bonfire song floating in the cold air of the night. It was a low melody, almost like a hum but the melody and words were there. Miyuki closed his eyes; he can see Tetsu and Jun singing the song with smiles on their faces. Chris and Tanba standing side by side. Ryosuke would be with his little brother and Furuya. Kuramochi would probably be yelling at the top of his lungs with Masuko just behind him.
“Spirit ablaze in this wild journey…” Eijun looked over, wide-eyed and half-way to another lyric. “Loneliness will not be an obstacle…”
“Take this endless melody…. And never fall from your pinnacle.” Miyuki kept his eyes locked with Sawamura and not once did he look away. It feels as though he was talking to Eijun with those words, as if he read Eijun’s mind and found out his fear.
Walk on this journey with the sky as the limit,
Never extinguish your fiery spirit.
Follow this path,
Without fear and doubt.
Walk with your friends,
And be ready to find your ends.
He was so close. He is so close. Finally, Eijun can finally reach him. As the song ended, their distance reduced and the gap between them was filled. Eijun’s eyes fluttered close as Miyuki leaned down to meet his lips in a soft kiss. Just as the last note of the song faaded and their lips touched; an explosion of colors and dust shot up the sky. One after another, flowers of red, yellow, green, and blue dust bloomed in front of them but they didn’t pull back or flinch away because finally…
Finally they were no longer far apart.