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“It’s soon time.” Kuramochi stated darkly during one of their class breaks. “For that.”
“Yeah, it is.” Miyuki nodded, his expression hardly any merrier. “Whoever came up with that should be cursed.”
“Should we tell the first-years?”
Miyuki opened his mouth to answer, before changing his mind and stretching his lips into a devilish smirk.
“Let’s not spoil the only fun we can have.” he said, and Kuramochi snorted.
“You’ve got a point there. And it’s not like we were warned last year anyway.” The shortstop leant back on his chair, fingers laced behind his head. “I still say this tradition sucks big time.”
“Let’s hope Lady Luck is on our side this year.” Miyuki sighed.
The ancestral tradition, passed down from generation to generation since before any of the current Seidou baseball players could even remember (though Miyuki suspected it started about when Tetsu and the other third-years had just joined the club), was originally born from a commendable concept: to pay one’s respects to those who were about to graduate and who, through effort and sweat, had guided their juniors on the long journey within the baseball club. Hence was born the Senpai Appreciation Day. In short, every third-year drew the name of a first or second-year whose duty was to grant his elder’s every wish and order for an entire day.
“So there you have it. Now let’s draw.” Ryosuke declared.
“Wait just a second!!!” Sawamura shouted. “What the hell does that mean?!”
“I knew you were stupid, but even you should have been able to understand that.” Miyuki replied. “Want me to explain again?”
“Shut up, Miyuki! What I’m asking is, who the hell came up with such a crappy idea?”
“We told you, Sawamura.” Ryosuke answered calmly. “It’s an ancestral tradit–”
“Ancestral, my ass! You just made this up to annoy us, didn’t you?” Sawamura’s loud voice filled the briefing room, where all the first and second-string members had been gathered on that fine Sunday morning. Most of the first-years looked rather perplexed, while the second-years wore resignation on their faces. Only the third-years seemed to be enjoying themselves. In the meantime, Sawamura was still ranting:
“There’s no way I’m taking part to this! I’d–” He was interrupted by a well-aimed kick in the butt by none other than Kuramochi.
“Shut up, Sawamura! It’s the tradition. We had to do that last year too, so no way you’re skipping that!”
Not one to let himself be deterred by violence, Sawamura turned to Chris, who was also standing there:
“Chris-senpai, surely you don’t approve of this conspiracy!”
“Say that after you can spell ‘conspiracy’!” Kuramochi retorted.
“I must comply with Seidou’s traditions, no matter what they are.” Chris answered, much to Sawamura’s despair.
“Harucchi! Gimme a hand here!” he turned to his fellow classmate. The latter merely looked confused.
“Ah... I’m not too sure about this either, but I don’t think we can do anything about it.” Haruichi replied.
“Damn it!” Sawamura cursed as he turned to the neighbour on his left: “What about you, Furu–“
The ace pitcher was sleeping, standing. A vein popped on Sawamura’s temple. “I don’t even...”
“Seems like you’re out of support, Sawamura.” Jun smirked. “Just give up already.”
“But uh... what kind of “wishes” are we supposed to expect?” Toujou intervened.
“Don’t worry, we won’t ask for anything illegal. So you don’t have to worry about murdering someone or the likes.” Tetsu answered very seriously.
“That’s not helpful at all.” Kanemaru said. “I just need to look at the second-years’ faces to guess we’re going to suffer. For all we know, you could have us steal some girls’ panties or something.”
“Stealing is technically considered illegal, Kanemaru.” Ryosuke pointed out wisely. “But I don’t want to know what kind of hobbies you have if you consider stealing girls’ panties legal.”
That last sentence triggered a few chuckles and teases, loosening the atmosphere up.
“In any case, we didn’t gather you here to ask for your opinions.” Jun jumped in. “So suck it up and take it like a man!”
“That didn’t come out well, Jun-san.” Miyuki noted, earning himself a death glare.
“Let’s waste no more time and proceed with the draw.” Ryosuke said.
There was religious silence when the third-years brought a box and put it on the table, the first and second-years watching the scene with dread. In turn, each of their seniors drew a paper from the box and announced the name of their slave-for-a-day (‘assistant’, Ryosuke corrected).
On Chris’ turn, all those who hadn’t been picked yet gazed expectantly as the latter picked a paper and unfolded it. It was a safe bet to assume that anyone getting picked by him wouldn’t have to suffer much. As Chris saw the name written on the piece of paper, he smiled faintly, lifting his eyes to his slave (‘assistant, I said!’).
1. The case of Isashiki Jun
Furuya had utterly no idea what he was supposed to do. For now he was just standing still, convinced he was supposed to display some sort of reaction here while having no clue about which reaction was fitting to the current situation. Current situation being Isashiki seated on his bed, a shoujo manga in his hands and crying himself dry.
“S-Senpai?” Furuya made a first attempt.
“WAAAAAAAH THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!” Isashiki yelled between two sobs. “FURUYA, BRING ME MORE TISSUES! AND THE NEXT VOLUME TOO!”
The pitcher hastily complied, hoping that it would help lower the general volume of the room. He still wasn’t quite sure what that ‘appreciation day’ was about, as the main things he had done so far were to buy his senpai some shoujo manga, accompany him to his room, bring him some snacks to eat, listen to him elaborate on the intricate and deep plot twists and turns, and watch him pour manly tears.
Nothing worth appreciating much, in Furuya’s opinion.
For now, his duty was to keep the third-year company while he was completely sucked up into the blossoming love between Shiharu and Yamada, only threatened by the malevolence of a certain Kaede who was a former childhood friend of Tomoyo who had feelings for Kaede’s sister but then there was Shiharu’s father who had just decided to move to America for work, bringing about a great crisis because he wanted to take the dog with him while Shiharu wanted it to stay with her; oh and let’s not forget that Yamada is hiding a big secret that will surely have a huge impact on his relationship with Shiharu, but man, Kimura is such an amazing guy you know? And you have yet to see how Tomoyo’s brother kicks ass whenever he protects Sakura from the evil yakuza who just wants to take her hostage to destroy Kaede’s family, and what do you mean who’s Tomoyo, I already told you he’s the son of the school’s principal!
Furuya’s head was spinning about as much as when he had to stay under the summer sun of Tokyo. Weren’t shoujo manga supposed to be easy to read? Furuya sat down on the opposite bed while Isashiki blew his nose and continued on with his tale. The first-year had to face the fact he wouldn’t be getting sleep any time soon given the decibel level in the room. Even Sawamura wasn’t as loud.
There was at least one good thing: Isashiki hadn’t ordered him to give him a massage. Furuya mentally took note to bring his senpai more manga to read whenever he was dragged into the night parties in Miyuki’s room.
“Shit, that stuff is so good!” Isashiki sniffed. “The tension between the antagonists! The feelings Shiharu expresses to her soul mate! This is too much to bear. Hey Furuya, massage my feet.” he added.
Furuya erased his mental note.
2. The case of Masuko Tooru
The Seidou dorm’s canteen was currently empty, save for two people seated by a table and facing each other, and a huge box which content had yet to be revealed. Masuko had his arms crossed and was staring intently at Kanemaru who was trying hard not to show any sign of panic. He had no reason to panic, right? Masuko wasn’t one to abuse of any power bestowed upon him, right? He was straightforward, with never an ounce of malicious intent in mind; the quiet type of person, right?
Actually, he was being a bit too quiet right now. Kanemaru’s tongue itched to break the silence, to ask what exactly they were doing here, and what was in the box. Tetsu-senpai had said nothing illegal would be done, so torture weapons and the likes were ruled out. Maybe it was some silly costume which Masuko-senpai would order him to wear for the entire day? Girl clothes maybe? Or maybe it was a rope to tie him down and tickle him? (Was that even considered torture?) Another possibility was that there was a trap in the box which would be triggered when Kanemaru opened it. But in that case, why come to the canteen?
“Kanemaru.”
The first-year almost jumped upon hearing his name being called.
“Yes, Masuko-senpai!” He braced himself for whatever was to come.
“What’s your favourite food?”
Kanemaru stared. “Huh?”
“What’s your favourite food?” Masuko repeated patiently.
“C-Cheeseburger, I’d say.” Kanemaru answered, confused.
“Cheeseburger, hm? That won’t do.”
Masuko then plunged a hand in the mysterious bag, finally uncovering the truth about the content.
“Here.”
What he presented Kanemaru with was none other than a pudding and a spoon. Kanemaru stared alternatively at them and at his senpai again, unsure about what to say or do.
“Try it.” Masuko said.
That was all? Kanemaru cocked an eyebrow. Pudding tasting? Well, it did looked nice, he thought as he picked the spoon. But what if it was poisoned? No, no, no. Nothing illegal. Maybe there were some laxatives in it? Kanemaru gulped at the thought. Well, he didn’t have much choice. He shoved a bite in his mouth, and the next second he felt his soul leave his body. He froze on the spot, starting to sweat buckets, face turning red, purple and blue.
“So, how is it?” Masuko asked enthusiastically, not noticing Kanemaru’s struggle for his life. “I made it myself! Chocolate and chilli pudding! I figured chilli would strengthen the taste. What do you think?”
“I-I-It’s... strengthened alright, Masuko-senpai!” Kanemaru managed to articulate, tentatively pointing a trembling thumb up while his mind was screaming ‘I’m gonna die I’m gonna die I’m gonna die’. Masuko looked genuinely surprised.
“Really? Great! I made some others, all with different flavours. You’ll be the first one to taste them.”
“I-It’s an honour, Masuko-senpai.” Kanemaru answered, the last remnants of life definitely leaving his mortal body.
“You don’t need to thank me. I have nothing against this ‘senpai appreciation day’, but I believe it’s better to use the opportunity to forge nice memories with our kouhai before graduation. That’s why I want you to enjoy this day as well, and what better way to enjoy a day than eating pudding?” Masuko grinned.
“T-That’s very kind of you, Masuko-senpai.”
“So, the next one is strawberry ketchup pudding. I thought the colours fitted well. Here, have a bite and tell me what you think. Oh and after that I’ve got this one, vanilla and spinach pudding, because you’ve got to eat healthy stuff too.” Masuko listed as he produced more puddings from the box. The more he elaborated on the flavours, the more Kanemaru wondered if the combinations even belonged to this planet. “You know, I’ve always been into pudding tasting, but recently Miyuki told me it could be fun if I moved onto the next step and started making the puddings myself. I have to say it was a great idea.”
Unfortunately, Kanemaru’s tongue, stomach and brain didn’t share the same opinion.
3. The case of Yuki Tetsuya
The moment Haruichi heard his name being called by the former team captain, he knew what exactly was awaiting him, and it was why he wasn’t really surprised when Tetsu commanded him to play shogi with him. It was how he found himself in Tetsu’s room, settled on the floor and observing the shogi board with keen interest. The day wouldn’t be so bad if that was all he was asked of Tetsu. The first two hours passed without much happening beside Haruichi winning all the first four games they played. As the fifth one started, the pink-haired boy finally asked:
“Tetsuya-san, is it fine for you like this? I mean, just playing shogi.”
“You don’t like shogi?” the third-year asked back.
“Ah I do, I do!” Haruichi answered. “It’s just that, I thought today was supposed to be a special day for you, but to me it seems like you aren’t doing anything out of ordinary. You haven’t even asked me to do anything... strange.”
Tetsuya crossed his arms, thinking. “I recall having asked you to bring us drinks and snacks. I don’t usually ask other people to do that.”
“Oh.” Haruichi made a short pause. “So that is all this ‘appreciation day’ is about? I’m relieved then.” he added with a smile.
Tetsu nodded as he moved a piece on the board.
“I am content playing shogi. Besides...” he paused, “I value my life enough not to do anything that would incur his wrath.” he finished, pointing at something behind Haruichi.
The latter turned his head to where the former captain had pointed, only to see a figure spying on them from the window. He had no trouble identifying the person standing there.
“Big brother...” he sighed.
4. The case of Kominato Ryosuke
“Seriously, what was the probability for you to draw my name? That was some damn luck.”
“Who said anything about luck?” Ryosuke cocked an eyebrow.
“What do you mean?”
Ryosuke’s lips stretched into a sly smile as he produced a piece of paper from his pocket. The words ‘Kuramochi Youichi’ were scribbled on it. “Let’s say I already had a paper with your name in hand when I drew.”
“Hyahahaha! So you totally cheated!” Kuramochi laughed. “I knew something was fishy when you called my name.”
“Are you going to complain?”
“Did you hear me complain?” the shortstop smirked, sliding an arm around his teammate’s waist and pulling him close. He leant in, but Ryosuke stopped him by pressing a finger over his lips.
“Are you forgetting your place, Youichi? Today I’m the one in charge, and you’re the one obeying.”
“Right, right. Then your orders, your Highness?” Kuramochi sneered.
“Well, I guess I could order you to become shorter than me but I suppose that’s not really possible.”
“Tch, you like that I’m taller than you anyway.”
“Don’t be cocky. You’re still younger than me.” Ryosuke said before drawing Kuramochi into a kiss. He didn’t give Kuramochi time to deepen it as he pulled back before any of them could be satisfied enough. The shortstop growled in frustration.
“Ryo-san–”
“You’ll get more once you comply with another order I have.” Ryosuke stated.
“Then may I hear it so we can be done with it and get on with more serious stuff?” Kuramochi sighed.
Five minutes later, he already regretted having asked, as both boys were presently snooping by the window of Tetsu’s room to carry out the mission Ryosuke had assigned them, namely ensuring his little brother’s safety.
“Ryo-san...”
“Yes?”
“I honestly think your brother is very much safe in Tetsu-san’s hands.”
“Oh, I don’t know. Human beings’ true nature can be revealed when presented with fitting circumstances.” Ryosuke said, shadow suddenly covering his face. “For instance, now that Haruichi took my place on the field...” he slowly turned to Kuramochi, “If you ever start nourishing strange thoughts about him...”
Kuramochi shook his head hastily. Even he couldn’t help but shiver in fear whenever his fellow infielder put on that face.
“I’d never do anything to him, Ryo-san!” he protested nervously. “You know you’re the only one I like!”
“Hmm, is that so?”
“Of course! How can you even doubt me?”
“You’re right.” Ryosuke smiled. “Well, since we’re clear on this point, let’s get back to our original business.”
It was going to be utterly boring, Kuramochi thought, but it wasn’t as if he had much choice. Two hours passed, as uneventful as could be. Kuramochi sat on the ground, back leant against the wall, and yawned. He had tried to distract his partner at several occasions (a nudge on the shoulder, a light touch on the thigh, dirty words whispered at the ear), but Ryosuke’s sense of brotherly duty was unshakable (‘Later, Youichi’). He was about to give up, when Haruichi’s faint voice was heard from inside:
“–haven’t even asked me to do anything... strange.”
Uh oh. Kuramochi immediately turned to Ryosuke, but too late. The latter’s face had already darkened dangerously.
“What exactly are you implying, little brother?” he murmured between clenched teeth, but the tone of it made it sound more like a curse. “You want Tetsu to do strange things to you?”
“Ryo-san, I’m pretty sure that’s not what he meant at all.” Kuramochi said tentatively, resting a hand on Ryosuke’s shoulder. The third-year didn’t pay attention to him though; instead he stood up abruptly, not even caring about hiding anymore. “R-Ryo-san! They’re gonna see you!”
“I don’t care. I’m not letting Tetsu lay a hand on my little brother.”
“And I’m telling you there’s no way Tetsu-san is gonna do that!”
The next second, the window opened and a pink-haired head popped out.
“Kuramochi-senpai, big brother, what are you doing here?” Haruichi asked.
“We were just walking by. Is everything fine, Haruichi?” the older brother inquired.
“Yes, I’m playing shogi with Tetsu-san, but I think you already know that.” Haruichi answered with a smile.
“He got you there.” Kuramochi smirked. Ignoring him, Ryosuke went on:
“Well, since you’re having fun, maybe we could join you as well? The more the merr–”
“Yes, yes. Now that’s enough, Ryo-san. He said everything’s fine.” Kuramochi grabbed Ryosuke’s collar and started dragging him away, waving at Haruichi: “Sorry about the bother! I’ll take care of this guy.”
“Please treat him gently!” Haruichi answered, waving back.
“Now what exactly do you think you’re doing, Youichi?” Ryosuke asked once they were far enough.
“I’m taking you to my room. Don’t worry, neither Masuko-senpai nor Sawamura are there.”
“That’s not what I’m asking. And you can release me now. I can walk on my own.”
Kuramochi complied. “Then what are you asking?”
“You haven’t been very obedient, Youichi. First separating me from my little brother, then dragging me like that... Is that a way to treat your senpai? Especially on a day such as today.” the second baseman spoke with his usual cool tone, but Kuramochi knew him well enough to feel the oppressing threatening atmosphere surrounding him.
“Well, that’s exactly why we’re going to my room. I’ll take any punishment you have for me.” he grinned. “For the rest of the entire day.”
That sounded like a plan, Ryosuke decided as he followed Kuramochi.
5. The case of Takigawa Chris Yuu
“Sawamura Eijun.” Chris read the name on his paper. Immediately after, a round of sighs and rants rose among all those who had wished to be picked by him, and in the middle of it one single shout of victory:
“CHRIS-SENPAIIII!!!”
“Shut up, Sawamura!” Kuramochi kicked him.
“That lucky bastard.” Miyuki commented.
“Speak for yourself, no one drew your name.” Maezono retorted, to which Miyuki scratched his head and grinned innocently:
“Hahaha I know right? Too bad there aren’t enough third-years here for everyone hahaha!”
“Shut up, Miyuki! I’ll kill you!” Kuramochi threatened. “Damn, and here I was looking forward to seeing how you’d be tortured today. That would have served you right!”
“Quiet down, all of you.” Tetsu ordered. “Since the draw is over, all of you are dismissed for the day.”
“And remember, today is our appreciation day.” Ryosuke reminded everyone kindly. “So put in some good will.”
The only one there who didn’t need to be told twice was, of course, Sawamura. He literally sprang to Chris, already awaiting his orders with sparkling eyes. For a second, Chris thought that if Sawamura had a tail, he would probably be wagging it diligently. He quickly dismissed the (adorable) thought.
“What do we do, Chris-senpai? What do we do, what do we do?” Sawamura urged eagerly.”I’ll do anything, so tell me! What do we do?”
Someone patted Chris on the shoulder. The catcher turned his head to see Tanba nodding sympathetically at him. It seemed like today was going to be more of an exhausting day than anything else. Although if he really wanted it, he could simply order Sawamura to keep quiet and stop sticking to him for the rest of the day. He knew Sawamura would listen to those requests; heck, he knew Sawamura would listen to anything he’d say. He could order the kid never to bother him about playing catch again. He could order him to stop harassing him for more advice on pitches. He could. If he did, then for sure it’d be the beginning of a long era of peace.
But if he did, then Sawamura’s naturally bright and cheerful face would be replaced by a dejected one; one Chris hated to see on the boy, because Sawamura simply wasn’t meant to wear such a face. He let out a small sigh, though there was a faint smile on his lips:
“Let’s go to the bullpen, Sawamura.”
He was rewarded with a radiant grin.
For the next hour, Chris caught pitch after pitch, pausing only to tell Sawamura to hydrate himself or to correct his pitching form.
“How was that one, Chris-senpai?” Sawamura asked blithely after a particularly fast pitch.
“A close one, but a ball nonetheless.” Chris smiled upon seeing his protégé fume.
“Please, one more!” Sawamura shouted.
“Another ten, and we’ll stop for today.” Chris said. “You have to rest your body.”
“Understood!”
Again, Chris couldn’t help but smile. Not so long ago, Sawamura would have probably argued against it, saying he was in perfect shape to pitch another fifty. The tenth pitch came quickly, and it was without any complaint that Sawamura called it a day (or in this case, a morning).
“What do you want to do now, Chris-senpai?” he asked.
“It’s soon lunch time. How about we go grab something in Tokyo and have a walk around the city for the rest of the day?” Chris suggested.
“Anything you want! It’s your appreciation day, after all!”
Sawamura could make good points sometimes, Chris mused.
Afternoon passed surprisingly quickly; some meat buns and croquettes for lunch, graciously offered by Sawamura, a digestive stroll downtown in some sport shops (‘Chris-senpai, do you want a new pair of gloves?’), a pause for chocolate-topped waffles (Sawamura’s wallet was starting to feel very light, but he would never allow Chris to know it), one last walk in a park (‘Let’s take pictures, Chris-senpai!’) and it was time to take the subway back to the dorm.
The trip back was unusually quiet, for the simple reason that Sawamura was sleeping. That in itself wouldn’t have been a point worth mentioning if it hadn’t been for a tiny detail: Sawamura’s head was comfortably settled on Chris’ shoulder. If there were odd looks coming from the people around, then Chris wasn’t aware of them; his awareness was currently focused on the mass of dormant energy resting next to him, on the pleasant warmth where Sawamura’s body touched his, on the rare sight of Sawamura’s peaceful face.
Too bad the next stop was already their stop. For a moment Chris wished Seidou was a bit farther, just a bit; but as he didn’t have the power to move either time or space, he had to resign himself to waking Sawamura up.
The sky was streaked with orange and red by the time they got out of the station and headed for the dorm. Sawamura was unusually silent on the road, but Chris didn’t press the matter. As much as he had come to like Sawamura’s boisterous presence, he still enjoyed some peace and quiet every now and then. A glance at the younger boy showed that he seemed deep in thought (if that was even possible). They walked past the baseball field and the bullpen, and still Sawamura would not speak. As they crossed the dorm’s entrance, Chris finally decided to initiate the conversation:
“Is there something on your mind, Sawamura? You seem displeased.”
Sawamura raised his head and gave him a look of surprise. “Huh? No, I’m not displeased, but...”
“But?”
“I was thinking... Did you even have fun today? I mean, I feel like you were the one who troubled yourself to make me enjoy myself, while it should have been the other way around.”
The answer caught Chris off guard. He blinked several times before smiling and patting Sawamura’s head:
“Then tell me, did you enjoy yourself?” he asked.
“Yes, I totally did!”
“Then this is enough for me.” Noticing the utter confusion in Sawamura’s eyes, he sighed and went on: “You don’t necessarily have to do something to please someone. Sometimes just being there is enough. Besides, spending a day with you was no trouble at all.”
Sawamura lowered his head at those words, and blushed. He actually blushed, Chris noted with vague shock.
“But it still doesn’t feel right.” the pitcher muttered before gazing back at his mentor: “Isn’t there anything I can do for you now? Anything! Do you want me cook something? Or iron your clothes? Or clean your room? I’ll do it!” Sawamura declared, suddenly all pumped up.
“That won’t be necessary, Sawamura.” Chris answered, but he almost immediately regretted his words at the face the first-year pulled. “Well... there may be something you could do.”
Instant light up. “What is it? What is it?”
“Stand still, and close your eyes.”
Sawamura tilted his head and frowned. “Huh?”
“You don’t want to?”
“No no! I’ll do it.” He did, and waited, unsure of what his senpai had in mind. He soon felt a hand grabbing his, and suddenly his heart beat harder against his chest. It really didn’t help that another hand was now delicately slipping through his hair, fingers brushing his cheek lightly. And it definitely didn’t help when he felt something soft pressing gently against his lips; yet he still didn’t move, because it was what Chris-senpai wanted. He found himself unconsciously parting his lips for more, but at the very same moment, a faint clicking sound was heard, followed by a voice he recognized all too well:
“Hehe, thanks for the nice pic! Have fun, you two!”
Chris pulled back quickly, but by the time Sawamura snapped his eyes open, the culprit was already running away.
“MIYUKI KAZUYAAA!!” Sawamura roared, ready to run after the captain, but he was stopped as Chris grabbed his wrist.
“Don’t mind him, Sawamura.” the third-year said, as calm as ever, though an expert eye would have noticed the faint blush of embarrassment on his cheeks. “The deed’s done anyway.” He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “I guess I was careless. I’m sorry I got you into this.”
“It’s not your fault, Chris-senpai!” Sawamura protested vehemently. “It’s that Miyuki bastard who always sneaks around everywhere! Besides, huh...” he lowered his voice, “I didn’t really mind what you did, I guess.” he added, looking away. “And, uh... I wouldn’t mind either if you, well, if you did that again even once today is over. I mean, only if you want of course!”
Chris stared at him for a second, before chuckling and ruffling Sawamura’s hair:
“Then I’ll take your word for granted.”
Again, he was rewarded with a dazzling grin.
6. The case of Miyuki Kazuya (?)
The day had been particularly fruitful for Miyuki. His insolent luck had spared him the trouble of having to heed every order of a third-year, much to everyone else’s dissatisfaction; but far from remaining inactive, he had used his free time as an opportunity to see how things unfolded for his fellow teammates. That, and as an opportunity to gather pictures for souvenirs, better known as ‘blackmail material’.
Lying on his bed, his was going through all the pictures he had taken on his phone. A few of them were particularly worth mentioning. There was one displaying Furuya passed out under a pile of what seemed to be shoujo manga, and Jun throwing more manga on the pile with a pissed off expression on his face, and dried tears on his cheeks. Whatever had happened between them, Miyuki wasn’t certain he wanted to know.
There was also that one showing a seemingly lifeless Kanemaru sprawled on the floor of the canteen, with various unfinished puddings of questionable colours and consistencies, while Masuko-san was eagerly eating his own, supermarket-bought puddings. Miyuki had felt a rush of sympathy for the first-year.
He then scrolled to the next picture of Tetsu bowing his head to Haruichi after losing his 47th game against the boy. No matter how shy Haruichi looked normally, he could turn into a demon whenever winning a game was involved, be it baseball or shogi. Miyuki made sure to keep the fact in mind.
He had tried looking for Kuramochi and Ryosuke, but despite having searched most common areas, he had decided to go for the last possible place, namely Kuramochi’s room. The room was locked and the shutters were closed, but the vague noises that Miyuki had managed to make out from the room told him more than enough about his teammates’ current activity. He had left the place swiftly.
And finally, there was Sawamura and Chris. He had figured at first that it wouldn’t be very entertaining to track those two, as the probability for them to spend the day playing baseball was about as high as Mount Fuji. The first half of the day had gone according to calculations, yet he had not expected the two to vanish to god knew where in the afternoon. Now that had been damn frustrating.
And once again, it had been sheer luck which had led him to walk around the dorm’s entrance by the end of the day and stumble upon the scene which was now immortalized in his phone. Probably the best picture for years to come. He hadn’t suspected Chris could be bold enough to actually kiss someone in broad daylight, though he could understand very well that Sawamura’s company could sometimes trigger unexpected reactions. Not that he complained about it.
He grinned. Seidou’s ancestral tradition was definitely fun.
Whoever had come up with it should be blessed.